CN104133356A

CN104133356A - Toner-container support unit and image-forming apparatus

Info

Publication number: CN104133356A
Application number: CN201410339711.1A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 藤森彰; 小杉秀树; 久保达哉; 野寺健太郎; 腰塚慎之介; 菊地彻平
Original assignee: Ricoh Co Ltd
Current assignee: Ricoh Co Ltd
Priority date: 2013-04-30
Filing date: 2014-04-30
Publication date: 2014-11-05
Anticipated expiration: 2034-04-30
Also published as: EP2799933A1; JP2014215585A; US20140321885A1; EP2799933B1; CN104133356B; JP6070392B2; US9110403B2

Abstract

A toner-container support unit is provided. The toner-container support unit includes: a toner container housing toner; a container mount including an internal space to accommodate the toner container; a toner-container receiver which is provided on an internal end side of the internal space of the container mount; a positioning hole formed on the back end surface of the toner container; a positioning pin provided in the toner-container receiver; a retracting assembly retracing a back end portion of the toner container to the tone-container receiver side when inserting the toner container into the container mount; and an inclination stopper which prevents the inclination of the toner container when the back end portion of the toner container is retracted by the retracting assembly toward the toner-container receiver.

Description

Toner container support unit and imaging device

Technical field

The present invention relates to a kind of toner container support unit, wherein the toner container of toner accommodating is supported on imaging device, and relates to a kind of imaging device that comprises toner container support unit.

Background technology

Conventionally, the toner container of toner accommodating is inserted into imaging device, in duplicating machine, printer, facsimile unit and multifunction peripheral.That is, described imaging device comprises the container fixed mount having living space in it.Described toner container is inserted in the space of this container fixed mount.Described toner container is configured to separable and attached, and can be with new changing after inner toner is finished.

Described imaging device also comprises the fixedly protuberance being formed on toner container rear surface, and is formed on the removable protuberance on the inside surface of described container fixed mount inner space.So-called retraction assemblies is also contained in imaging device.In the time of in described toner container is inserted into container fixed mount, toner container is shunk to the deep inside of container fixed mount inner space by retraction assemblies.In retraction assemblies, when toner container is inserted into container fixed mount, removable protuberance contact is protuberance fixedly, and fixedly the described removable protuberance of protuberance promotion can be crossed fixedly protuberance.Because removable protuberance is configured to have the biasing force to outside direction, so it is subject to the effect of biasing force and attempts to go back when crossing fixedly protuberance.So the end of toner container is pulled the depths of container fixed mount inner space.

But, in above-mentioned imaging device, having a problem is that toner container has inclination when being shunk by retraction assemblies.Specifically, fixedly protuberance is positioned at the lower position of outer back wall surface of container and the lower position that mobile protuberance is positioned at the back wall surface of container fixed mount similarly.Therefore, owing to being applied to the biasing force of container bottom, the rear portion of toner container moves up, so toner container is being retracted when assembly shrinks.

Conventionally, for regulating the pilot hole of toner container position and rear end surface that register pin is arranged on toner and the inner surface of container fixed mount inner space.But, as toner container tilts, so the position of this pilot hole not with the location matches of register pin, result, position adjustments pin just can not be put in pilot hole.

Summary of the invention

Therefore, develop the present invention and be retracted when assembly shrinks and can prevent the toner container support unit that toner container tilts at toner container to provide a kind of, and a kind of imaging device that comprises this structure.

In order to complete above-mentioned target, according to the toner container support unit of the present embodiment, comprise: the toner container that accommodates toner; Container fixed mount, this container fixed mount comprises inner space to hold described toner container; Toner container receiver, the interior distolateral of described inner space that this toner container receiver is arranged on described container fixed mount goes up, and fixes and support the rear end surface of the described toner container that is inserted into described container fixed mount; Be formed on the pilot hole on the described rear end surface of described toner container; Be arranged in described toner container receiver with the register pin in the face of described pilot hole; Retraction assemblies, this retraction assemblies is when being inserted into described toner container in described container fixed mount, the back-end component of described toner container is retracted to toner container receiver side, by described retraction assemblies, shrink the back-end component of described toner container, described register pin is fitted in described pilot hole, thereby the position of described toner container is adjusted; And inclination stop motion mechanism, this inclination stop motion mechanism, when the back-end component of described toner container is shunk towards described toner container receiver by described retraction assemblies, prevents that described toner container from tilting.

Accompanying drawing explanation

The included accompanying drawing of this instructions provides a further understanding of the present invention, and described accompanying drawing is incorporated in this instructions and as the part of this instructions.Described accompanying drawing illustrates embodiments of the invention, is used from and explains principle of the present invention with this instructions one.

Fig. 1 illustrates according to the unitary construction of the imaging device 102 of the embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 provides according to the key drawing of the structure of the handle box 20 of embodiment and toner Cartridge 502.

Fig. 3 provides the schematic diagram of the peripheral configuration that toner Cartridge 502 and toner Cartridge 502 be shown in being inserted into toner supply device 43 in the situation that according to embodiment.

Fig. 4 is the skeleton view of toner Cartridge 502 when (in Z direction) observes from upper front side.

Fig. 5 is the skeleton view in the direction of left and right from upper front side and the toner Cartridge 502 observed from direction from different Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is the skeleton view of toner Cartridge 502 when (in Z direction) observes from lower front side.

Fig. 7 is the front view of toner Cartridge 502 while observing from front side.

The skeleton view of Fig. 8 when to be toner Cartridge 502 observe from upper front side, illustrates the phantom view (comprising in the Z direction of V-V line section) along the line of V-V shown in Fig. 7.

Fig. 9 A is the key drawing that the structure of the 52 interior coupler 522a of agitating member shown in Fig. 8 is shown to 9C.Fig. 9 A is the skeleton view that coupler 522a when (Z direction) observes from front side is shown.Fig. 9 B is the side view (perpendicular to Z direction) of coupler 522a.Fig. 9 C is the cut-open view illustrating along the coupler 522a of VI-VI line shown in Fig. 9 A.

Figure 10 A provides the coupler 522a illustrating in agitating member 52 to 10E, and the stirring of toner supply device 43 drives the key drawing of the 26S Proteasome Structure and Function of coupler 301.The stirring that Figure 10 A schematically illustrates while observing from the vertical side of Z direction drives coupler 301 and coupler 522a.Figure 10 B schematically illustrates to stir when the direction shown in arrow A 9 shown in Figure 10 A is observed and drives the hook projection 301a of coupler 301 and the hook projection 522b of coupler 522a.Figure 10 C illustrates the motion of hook projection 301a and 522b, and it relates to the guiding function of the dip plane 301a of hook projection 522b and the dip plane 522d of hook projection 522b.Figure 10 D illustrates and stirs the aspect that drives coupler 301 to be connected to coupler 522a.Figure 10 E illustrates the inclination 522f on the end pieces 522c being arranged on one of a pair of hook projection 522b, and is arranged on the inclination 301d on the protruding end parts 301b on a pair of hook projection 301a.

Figure 11 provides the skeleton view that toner Cartridge 502 is shown when top rear side (with Z opposite direction) is observed.

Figure 12 provides from top rear side and the direction that is different from Figure 11 the skeleton view of toner Cartridge 502 is shown when left and right directions is observed.

Figure 13 provides the part that toner Cartridge 502 is shown to amplify the skeleton view of bottom surface.

Figure 14 is the key drawing that the structure of the first shutter 622 in the shutter assembly 602 that is arranged on toner Cartridge 502 is shown.

Figure 15 A is the key drawing that the structure of the second shutter 632 in shutter assembly 602 is shown to 15C.Figure 15 A illustrates the front view of the second shutter 632 while observing from upside.Figure 15 B illustrates the skeleton view of the second shutter 632 while observing from (with Z opposite direction) dorsad of upside and direction of insertion.Figure 15 C illustrates the skeleton view of the second shutter 632 while observing from the forward side of upside and direction of insertion.

Figure 16 is the key drawing that the structure of shutter assembly 602 is shown, and described shutter assembly 602 is comprised of the first shutter 622 and second shutter 632 of being combined with container parts 51 (toner Cartridge 502) basal surface.

Figure 17 is the key drawing of container parts shown in Fig. 3 51, and the cut-open view (the Y-Z plane that comprises VII-VII line section) along VII-VII line is shown.

Figure 18 is the skeleton view of the toner container fixed part 902 of toner supply device 43.

Figure 19 is the front view of toner container fixed part 902 while observing from upside (Y-direction).

Figure 20 is the key drawing that imaging device 102 is schematically shown.

Figure 21 A is the key drawing of relation between container fixed mount 220 (toner fixed part 902) that imaging device 102 is shown and toner Cartridge 502 to 21B.Figure 21 A illustrates aspect when toner Cartridge 502 is inserted to container fixed mount 220.Figure 21 B illustrates toner Cartridge 502 and is inserted into an aspect in container fixed mount 220.

Figure 22 provides the skeleton view of the structure that container fixed mount 220 (toner container fixed part 902) is shown.

Figure 23 A is the maintenance rail 209 illustrating in the side wall section 50c of toner Cartridge 502 to 23C, and the key drawing of the function of the maintenance rail 221 of container fixed mount 220.Figure 23 A is illustrated in Z direction and keeps rail 209 in the face of keeping the aspect of rail 221.Figure 23 B illustrates the aspect that keeps rail 209 contacts to keep rail 221.Figure 23 C illustrates and keeps in the Y direction rail 209 and the aspect that keeps rail 221 crossovers.

Figure 24 provides the key drawing that toner Cartridge 502 is inserted into the aspect of toner Cartridge fixed part 902 is shown.Figure 24 comprises the cut-open view of the toner Cartridge 502 that is similar to Figure 16 and is similar to the front view of the toner Cartridge fixed part 902 of Figure 19.Figure 24 also illustrates a pair of press member 212 with opening.Figure 24 also illustrates the main body 212b that exerts pressure, protruding end parts 212c and the inclination pressing surface 212d of press member 212, press member 212 contacts with the release projection 812d (and inclined surface 812e) of a pair of arm shape section 812, as curved situation in the second shutter 632 of toner Cartridge 502 main.Figure 24 A is the enlarged drawing of the part A that surrounds by dashed circle in Figure 24.

Figure 25 provides the key drawing that is similar to Figure 24, and the second shutter 632 of the toner Cartridge 502 contacting with the second step parts 98 of toner Cartridge fixed part 902 is shown.Figure 25 A is the enlarged drawing of the part B that surrounds by dashed circle in Figure 25.

Figure 26 provides the key drawing that is similar to Figure 24, and the exhaust outlet 55 of the toner Cartridge 502 being connected with the toner supply opening 96a of toner Cartridge fixed part 902 (toner supply device 43) is shown.Figure 25 A is the enlarged drawing of the part A that surrounds by dashed circle in Figure 25.Figure 26 A is the enlarged drawing of the part C that surrounds by dashed circle in Figure 26.

Figure 27 provides the key drawing that is similar to Figure 24, and the aspect that toner Cartridge 502 is removed is shown.Figure 27 illustrates when toner Cartridge 502 moves to the opposition side of Z direction with respect to toner Cartridge fixed part 902, the release aspect of the toner Cartridge 502 being discharged by a pair of release piece assembly 97.Figure 27 A is the enlarged drawing of the part D that surrounds by dashed circle in Figure 27.

Figure 28 provides the key drawing that is similar to Figure 24, illustrates by each claw 812b and the second fixing d/d aspect of shutter 632 of pickup groove 93, by its toner Cartridge 502, moves to respect to toner Cartridge fixed part 902 towards the direction with Z opposite direction.Figure 28 A is the enlarged drawing of the part E that surrounds by dashed circle in Figure 28.

Figure 29 provides the skeleton view of the receiver 905 of toner Cartridge 502.

Figure 30 illustrates the structure according to embodiment, toner Cartridge 502 is shown and is inserted into the container erecting frame 220 of imaging device 102 aspect that toner Cartridge 502 can maintenance level when interior.

Figure 31 illustrates the structure of routine techniques.Figure 31 illustrate toner Cartridge 502 be inserted into container erecting frame 220 when interior toner Cartridge 502 tilt.

Figure 32 A and 32B provide the key drawing of the effect of the position that the first pilot hole 201 and the second pilot hole are shown.Figure 32 A schematically illustrates the inner side of toner Cartridge 502.Figure 32 B schematically illustrate toner Cartridge 502 as a comparative example ' aspect, inner side.

Figure 33 is the skeleton view having while observing from front side, top (Z direction) with the heteroid toner Cartridge 503 of toner Cartridge 502.

Embodiment

[embodiment]

Describe below with reference to accompanying drawings according to the example of toner container support unit of the present invention and imaging device.In whole accompanying drawings, identical or corresponding part is used identical Reference numeral or mark, and its description is simplified intentionally or omits in order to avoid repeat.

Toner Cartridge 502 (502Y, 502C, 502M, 502BK) is described in down with imaging device 102 that can toner accommodating box.First, structure and the running of imaging device 102 are described.

According to the imaging device 102 of the present embodiment, be multicolor printer as shown in Figure 1, it comprises that box-like main body 11 is as housing.Imaging device 102 comprise r/w cell 12A to 12D electrostatic latent image is write in photosensitive drums 21 (image carrier) according to view data after charging process.R/w cell 12A can be to adopt the optical scanner of polygonal mirror 13A to 13D and optical element 14A to 14D etc. to 12D.Or, can adopt light emitting diode (LED) array as r/w cell.The electrostatic latent image being formed to 12D by r/w cell 12A is developed and is transferred to as recording medium and is deposited on the transfer materials P in paper feeder 31.

Transfer materials P can be recording chart, shoot high projection film (overhead project film, OHP), etc.Many these placings of material are in paper feeder 31.In imaging, along with feed rollers 32 rotations, the transfer materials P of stacking passes out to transfer belt 30 from top.Transfer belt 30 is ring forms, and carries the transfer materials P with Electrostatic Absorption surface.Transfer belt 30 is transferred to transfer materials P by the toner image being formed in photosensitive drums 21.Transfer belt 30 is around the definite path rotation that does not start limit and also do not stop limit.Adsorption roller 34 and being arranged on the external peripheral surface of transfer belt 30 with cleaning device 35.

Photosensitive drums 21 is faced transfer roll 24 separately through transfer belt 30.Each transfer roll 24 comprises the conductive elastic layer of unshowned metal-cored and covering metal core.The conductive elastic layer of transfer roll 24 is the elastomeric materials by for example urethane rubber or ethylene-propylene-diene-tygon (EPDM), and its resistance value (specific insulation) is adjusted to intermediate value according to the distribution of the conduction medicine applying apparatus (applicator) such as carbon black, zinc paste or tin oxide etc.Fixation facility 36 is arranged on transfer belt 30 tops that rotate, as shown in fig. 1.Fixation facility 36 comprise pressure roll 37 and warm-up mill 38 with utilize heat and pressure by toner image on transfer materials P.

In Fig. 1, four handle box 20Y, 20C, 20M and 20BK vertically arrange along transfer belt 30.Four handle boxes 20 form the toner image of yellow, cyan, magenta and black.To the device of each developing apparatus 23 vector suppliers (magnetic carrier particle) and (yellow, cyan, magenta and black) toner of all kinds (toner-particle), be arranged on the top of each handle box 20Y, 20C, 20M and 20BK.That is toner Cartridge 502Y, 502C, 502M and the 502BK that, comprises carrier or toner is arranged on the top of each handle box 20Y, 20C, 20M and 20BK as supply equipment.

When transfer belt 30 is when turning axle (not shown) rotates, handle box 20Y, 20C, 20M, 20BK and toner Cartridge 502Y, 502C, 502M and 502BK can be installed to main body 11 and remove from it.

In an embodiment, imaging device 102 is as multifunction peripheral, for example duplicating machine or printer work.When imaging device 102 is worked as duplicating machine, all kinds image is processed, such as analog-and digital-conversion, mtf correction, gray scale are processed and provided in the view data of reading at scanner.After such image is processed, view data is converted into image data writing.When imaging device 102 is worked as printer, the view data of the form such as the PostScript sending from computing machine etc. or bitmap is processed into image data writing.

When imaging, r/w cell 12A launches exposure light according to black, magenta, cyan and yellow view data to each handle box 20BK, 20M, 20C and 20Y to 12D.That is the exposure light (laser beam) of, being launched to each light source of 12D by r/w cell 12A irradiates photosensitive drums 21 to 13D and optical element 14A to 14D through polygonal mirror 13A.Thus, corresponding to the toner image of each exposure light, be formed in the photosensitive drums 21 (image carrier) of each handle box 20Y, 20C, 20M and 20BK.Then, toner image is transferred to transfer materials P.

The transfer materials P sending here from paper feeder 31 temporarily rests on alignment rolls 33, the front transfer belt 30 of going.Specifically, alignment rolls 33 and transfer materials P through as one man rotation by forming the photosensitive drums 21 (image carrier) of toner image.The transfer materials P that the voltage that transfer belt 30 absorption are applied by the adsorption roller 34 by being positioned on transfer belt 30 entry positions enters.Thus, transfer materials P in the indicated direction of arrow shown in Fig. 1 along the rotation of transfer belt 30 and move.When transfer materials P sequentially passes through each handle box 20Y, 20C, 20M and 20BK, versicolor each toner image superposes on it.

Like this, the transfer materials P of coloured image that comprises institute's transfer printing is separated and arrive fixation facility 36 from transfer belt 30.Between pressure roll 37 and warm-up mill 38, by pinching and when heating, the toner image on transfer materials P by photographic fixing thereon.So transfer materials P is from its separation, the surface of transfer belt 30 is with clearer 35 to clean.

Provide the description about handle box 20 in imaging device 102 and toner Cartridge 502 below.Be noted that handle box 20Y, 20C, 20M and 20BK have almost identical structure, toner Cartridge 502Y, 502C, 502M and 502BK also have almost identical structure.So, in following description and accompanying drawing, represent that suffix Y, C, M, the BK of each color in handle box and toner Cartridge is omitted.Equally, write device 20A has similar structure to 20D, so the suffix A that omits for the sake of simplicity invoking marks is to D.

As shown in Figure 2, each handle box 20 integrally comprises photosensitive drums 21, live part 22, developing apparatus 23 and cleaning unit 25 etc.Handle box 20 adopts the premix developing method that carrier is supplied as required and discharged.

Photosensitive drums 21 as image carrier can be electronegative organic photoreceptor, by unshowned driver element, is counterclockwise rotated.Live part 22 is flexible charging rollers, and described charging roller is that described elastic layer is foam polyurethane layer for example by using the elastic layer covering metal core of moderate resistivity to make, and it contains carbon black, vulcanizing agent and gas-development agent etc. as conductive particle.The elastic layer material of the interior proper resistor rate of live part 22 comprises rubber, such as polyurethane, ethylene-propylene-diene monomers (EPDM), ABS rubber (NBR), silicon rubber and base rubber, such as carbon black or the such conductive material of metal oxide, add wherein with adjusting resistance rate.Or, can use the scum rubber that comprises these materials.Cleaning unit 25 comprises cleaning brush (or cleaning foil), surface this surface of swiping of described cleaning brush contact photosensitive drums 21.The toner not being transferred in photosensitive drums 21 is mechanically removed and collected to cleaning unit 25.

Developing apparatus 23 comprises developer roll 23a1 and the 23a2 as developer carrier.Developer roll 23a1 and 23a2 are positioned at the position of contiguous photosensitive drums 21.Development latitude is formed on the position in the face of developer roll 23a1 and 23a2, and magnetic brush contacts photosensitive drums 21 in described development latitude.Developing apparatus 23 comprises the developer G (developers of two kinds of compositions) containing toner T and support C.Developing apparatus 23 is by the image development (formation toner image) being formed in photosensitive drums 21.The structure of developing apparatus 23 and the detailed description of running will provide in the back.

Developing apparatus 23 in embodiment is premix development types, from toner Cartridge 502, to it, provides as required fresh support C (developer G).Deteriorated toner G is discharged into the developer storer 41 being positioned at outside developing apparatus 23.Toner Cartridge 502 contains and will offer the developer G of the premix that comprises toner T (toner-particle) and support C (carrier granular) of developing apparatus 23.Toner Cartridge 502 contains developer G (toner T and support C) within it.Developer G is provided for developing apparatus 23.Toner Cartridge 502 plays the work of supply equipment in order to fresh toner T is supplied to developing apparatus 23 and fresh support C is supplied to developing apparatus 23.In embodiment, the ratio (toner concentration) that is contained in the relative support C of toner T in the developer G in toner Cartridge 502 is very high.

Then, the imaging operation in photosensitive drums 21 is below described.

Along with photosensitive drums 21 is rotated counterclockwise, charged equably at live part 22 places in the surface of photosensitive drums 21.Then, the live part 22 of photosensitive drums 21 arrives the part that receives exposure light L, and exposure process is carried out by r/w cell 12.Specifically, the surface of photosensitive drums 21 is exposed light L and optionally will discharges (change electromotive force) according to view data, so due to discharge portion and non-irradiated without the electric potential difference between image section (electromotive force contrast) formation electrostatic latent image.In exposure process, the charge generating material in photosensitive drums 21 photosensitive layers produces electric charge owing to receiving light, and cavity therebetween and the lip-deep charge potential of photosensitive drums 21 offset.

Subsequently, the surface of the photosensitive drums 21 of formation sub-image arrives the position in the face of developing apparatus 23.Electrostatic latent image in photosensitive drums 21 contacts with the magnetic brush being formed on developer roll 23a1 and 23a2.Electrostatic latent image is accompanying by toner T electronegative in magnetic brush, and becomes visible.Specifically, by the amount of the developer G that magnetic force attracted of upper developer roll 23a magnetic pole, by doctor 23c, regulated, developer G is transported in the face of the development latitude of photosensitive drums 21 (developer roll 23a1,23a2 and photosensitive drums 21 in the face of position).In development latitude, coarse support C is wiped the surface of rubbing photosensitive drums 21.Now, be contained in toner T in support C owing to being filled with negative electricity with the friction of support C.Conversely, carrier is filled with positive electricity.Developer roll 23a1 and 23a2 receive the predetermined development bias voltage that comes from unshowned power supply.Like this, between photosensitive drums 21 and developer roll 23a1 and 23a2, form electric field.Toner T is filled with negative electricity and optionally adheres to the image section (electrostatic latent image) in photosensitive drums 21 by electric field.

Like this, the toner image being formed in photosensitive drums 21 arrives the position in the face of transfer belt 30 and transfer roll 24.Now, the toner image in photosensitive drums 21 is transferred to the surface being delivered to immediately in the face of the transfer materials P of the position of transfer belt 30.Wherein, predetermined voltage is applied to transfer roll 24.

Wherein the transfer materials P of transfer printing toner image passes through fixation facility 36, and the discharge roller 39 being positioned at outside imaging device is discharged.Retaining in the toner T (the not toner of transfer printing) that is not transferred to transfer materials P in photosensitive drums 21 during transfer process arrives in the face of adhering to the position of the cleaning unit 25 of photosensitive drums 21.In photosensitive drums 21, the cleaned unit 25 of the toner of transfer printing is not collected and is removed.Subsequently, the surface of photosensitive drums 21 is through unshowned discharge equipment, and the rest potential on it is removed.

Structure and the running of developing apparatus 23 are described subsequently.Developing apparatus 23 comprises that developer roll 23a1 and 23a2, screw conveyor (helical screw) 23b1 are to 23b3 and doctor 23c etc.Two developer roll 23a1 and 23a2 are configured to have cylindrical sleeve, and described cylindrical sleeve is by non-magnetic material such as aluminium, brass, stainless steel, or electroconductive resin is constructed.By unshowned driver element, cylindrical sleeve can be rotated in the clockwise direction.The magnet in the attached generation of the sleeve inner magnetic field of developer roll 23a1 and 23a2, makes developer G can on the circumferential surface of sleeve, hold up (bristle).Support C in developer G in normal direction, along magnet, produce the magnetic line of force with chain type form, hold up on sleeve.Charged toner T is adhered to the support C of holding up chain, forms thus magnetic brush.Magnetic brush is by (clockwise) conveying in the direction identical with sleeve by the rotation of sleeve.

Doctor 23c is positioned at the upstream side of development latitude, is controlled at the amount of the developer G that carries (magnetic is mentioned) on developer roll 23a1.Doctor 23c is that the about 2mm of thickness is used nonmagnetic metallic alloy such as the plate of SUS316 and XM7 structure.Or the foil that the about 0.3mm of thickness is constructed by the SUS430 as nonmagnetic metallic alloy can be used on the surface in the face of doctor 23c.

Three screw conveyor 23b1 are arranged in the shaft portion of container as screw parts to 23b3.By the upper rotation of longitudinal direction (perpendicular to the paper plane of Fig. 2) they, screw conveyor 23b1 stirs and mixes the developer G being contained in developing apparatus 23 to 23b3.The first screw conveyor 23b1 is arranged on the position in the face of developer roll 23a1, to horizontal direction (perpendicular to the paper plane of Fig. 2) supplying developing agent G, and the developer G of supply on developer roll 23a1.In other words, the first screw conveyor 23b1 is in the face of developer roll 23a1 and by developer G being fed to developer roll 23a1 at the upper supplying developing agent G of longitudinal direction (perpendicular to the paper plane of Fig. 2).

The second screw conveyor 23b2 is arranged in the face of the position of developer roll 23a2 and in the bottom of the first screw conveyor 23b1.The second screw conveyor 23b2 carries developer G separated from developer roll 23a2 in the horizontal direction.After developing process, developer G is developed agent drain lever and from developer roll 23a2, separates forcibly.In other words, the second screw conveyor 23b2 is arranged in the face of also carrying in a longitudinal direction from the developer G of developer roll 23a2 separation the position of developer roll 23a2.Developer discharge lever is to form by partly removing magnetic pole the magnet in sleeve, or utilization has the magnet of the configuration that produces reaction (reactive) magnetic field and forms.The first screw conveyor 23b1 and the second screw conveyor 23b2 are set in order to keep turning axle substantially horizontal, are similar to developer roll 23a1 and 23a2 or photosensitive drums 21.

Although attached not explicitly shown in FIG., thereby the 3rd screw conveyor 23b3 is arranged to favour horizontal direction, the upstream straight line of the downstream of the transport path corresponding with the second screw conveyor 23b2 and the transport path corresponding with the first screw conveyor 23b1 is connected.The 3rd screw conveyor 23b3 carries the developer G being carried by the second screw conveyor 23b2 towards the upstream of the transport path corresponding with the first screw conveyor 23b1.In addition, the 3rd screw conveyor 23b3 carries by descent path from the developer G with transport path downstream circulation corresponding to the first development conveyor screw 23b1 towards the upstream side of the transport path corresponding with the first screw conveyor 23b1.

The transport path of the first screw conveyor 23b1, the second screw conveyor 23b2, the 3rd screw conveyor 23b3 is separated by wall section.Although attached not shown, the downstream part of the second screw conveyor 23b2 transport path is connected by the first relay portion with the upstream portion of the 3rd screw conveyor 23b3 transport path.The downstream part of the 3rd screw conveyor 23b3 transport path is connected by the second relay portion with the upstream portion of the first screw conveyor 23b1 transport path.The downstream part of the first screw conveyor 23b1 is connected by descent path with the upstream portion of the 3rd screw conveyor 23b3.By such structure, three screw conveyor 23b1 can form circulating path to 23b3, and in described circulating path, developer G circulates with longitudinal direction.

Exhaust outlet 23d (exhaust apparatus) is arranged on the wall section of the first screw conveyor 23b1 transport path in order to the part developer G being contained in developing apparatus 23 is discharged into outside (developer storer 41).Specifically,, when the interior developer G of developing apparatus 23 is increased to the upper surface during over predetermined altitude that surpasses predetermined developer level and the developer G that fill, unnecessary developer G just discharges to developer storer 41 from exhaust outlet 23d.That is,, when unnecessary developer G is higher than exhaust outlet 23d lower height time, it, falls towards developer storer 41 at Action of Gravity Field through emission path 42 from exhaust outlet 23d discharge.Like this, by the deteriorated support C of the pollution of toner T binder resin or extra additive can be from exhaust outlet 23d towards development latitude outside automatic-discharging.Deteriorated and outmoded deteriorated prevention in picture quality.Although not shown in Fig. 2, in emission path 42, drain lever is set in order to carry the developer that is discharged into horizontal direction from exhaust outlet 23d.

Provide the description about toner supply device 43 (powder supply) below, described device is fed to developing apparatus 23 by the fresh support C from toner Cartridge 502.Fig. 3 schematically illustrates toner Cartridge 502 and the peripheral configuration thereof in the situation that toner Cartridge 502 is inserted into toner supply device 43.

As shown in Figure 3, container parts 51, agitating member 52, conical part 53, emission path 54, exhaust outlet 55, screw conveyor 56 and shutter assembly 602 are included in toner Cartridge 502.Agitating member 52 is rotatably positioned at the inner side of container parts 51.Although attached not shown, agitating member 52 is contained in the developer G (as shown in Figure 2) in container parts 51 by suitable Stirring, and under Action of Gravity Field, developer G is transported to conical part 53.Conical part 53 is arranged in the basal surface side of container parts 51 (reverse direction of direction Y).The size of conical part 53 reduces towards the direction in outside gradually from the inner side of container parts 51.Emission path 54 be formed on conical part 53 front (from Fig. 3 of seeing above below), when container parts 51 basal surfaces are opened, be just placed to follow-up in tapering part 53.Exhaust outlet 55 is configured on one end of emission path 54 and has hole with discharge, to be contained in container parts 51 be the developer G in toner Cartridge 502.Screw conveyor 56 is rotatably positioned at emission path 54 (attached not explicitly shown in FIG.), and towards the developer in exhaust outlet 55 1 side transportation paths 54.

Shutter assembly 602 is set in order to the bottom side outer wall of slides container parts 51 (toner Cartridge 502).At default location, exhaust outlet 55 (referring to Figure 16) is faced and covered to shutter assembly 602.When toner Cartridge 502 is inserted into toner supply device 43, the surface of shutter assembly 602 slides container parts 51 (toner Cartridge 502) downside wall section, thus open exhaust outlet 55 (referring to Fig. 3 etc.).The structure of shutter assembly 602 and running will be described in detail later.

By the sliding action of (referring to the arrow A 1 Fig. 3) from imaging device 102 front sides to the inside, toner Cartridge 502 is inserted in toner supply device 43.Now, by the sliding action of shutter assembly 602 on container parts 51 rear end surfaces, exhaust outlet 55 is opened.At this, although attached not shown, each agitating member 52 and screw conveyor 56 are connected to the stirring-driving coupler (referring to the Reference numeral 301 in Figure 10 described later) arranging with toner supply device 43 and carry-drive coupler.Then, in container parts 51, the developer G (not shown) being mounted in it is stirred member 52 and stirs and move to the conical part 53 being arranged in basal surface side under Action of Gravity Field.Next, developer G is collected in the emission path 54 of contiguous conical part 53 and is transported to exhaust outlet 55 by being provided with the rotation of the screw conveyor 56 of emission path 54.Thus, developer G is discharged into outside by exhaust outlet 55, and arrives toner supply device 43.

In toner supply device 43, comprise interim toner chamber 44.The developer G toner chamber 44 interim because own wt falls into from exhaust outlet 55 discharge of container parts 51 (toner Cartridge 502).Toner acquisition sensor 45 and rotatable cleaning element 46 arrange with interim toner chamber 44.Toner acquisition sensor 45 consists of piezoelectric sensor etc., and surveys interim toner chamber 44 and whether contain developer G.Although attached not explicitly shown in FIG., rotatable cleaning element 46 is formed in the surface of rotating shaft component by flexible cleaning element, and described flexible cleaning element is comprised of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) film etc.Rotatable cleaning element 46, by being positioned at the driver of toner supply device 43, cleans by the rotation of rotating shaft component the developer G that adheres to toner acquisition sensor 45 unshowned searching surfaces.

Toner delivery pipe 47 is connected to interim toner chamber 44 basal surfaces.Be assigned to the developer G in interim toner chamber 44 because own wt is admitted in toner delivery pipe 47.The front end component of toner delivery pipe 47 is connected to the developer equipment 23 in the processing unit being arranged in printer main body.Developer G in toner Cartridge delivery pipe 47 sends to developing apparatus 23 corresponding to the rotation of unshowned rotatable transfer member, and described transfer member is such as the conveyor screw or the spiral propeller that are arranged in toner delivery pipe 47.So, from the developer G of toner Cartridge 502 discharges, be supplied to developing apparatus 23.

Even if the agitating member 52 in toner Cartridge 502 and screw conveyor 56 are rotating, when not sending toner detectable signal from toner acquisition sensor 45, the interior unshowned controller of imaging device 102 is estimated container parts 51 " toner-out ".At this, " in container parts 51 " comprises " in toner Cartridge 502 ", and " toner-out " means the situation that contained developer G almost exhausts.Even if detect " toner-out ", in fact developer G still remains in toner delivery pipe 47, so developer G can supply a period of time in the situation that heavily not filling out new toner Cartridge 502.As described, due in container parts 51 (toner Cartridge 502), can survey toner-out according to the amount of the toner G in interim toner chamber 44, in the situation that not providing toner acquisition sensor with toner Cartridge 502, also can suitably survey the time of toner-out.

4 to 23 imaging devices 102 that provide toner Cartridge 502 (502Y, 502M, 502C, 502BK), toner accommodating box 502, and the description of the interior toner container fixed part 902 of imaging device 102 with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 4 is skeleton view when (in Z direction) observes from upper front side according to the toner Cartridge 502 of embodiment.Fig. 5 is the skeleton view in the direction of left and right from upper front side and the toner Cartridge 502 observed from direction from different Fig. 4.Fig. 6 is the skeleton view of toner Cartridge 502 when (in Z direction) observes from lower front side.Fig. 7 is the front view of toner Cartridge 502 while observing from front side.The skeleton view of Fig. 8 when to be toner Cartridge 502 observe from upper front side, illustrates the phantom view (the Z direction surface that comprises V-V line section) along the line of V-V shown in Fig. 7.Fig. 9 A is the key drawing that the structure of the 52 interior coupler 522a of agitating member shown in Fig. 8 is shown to 9C.Fig. 9 A is the skeleton view that coupler 522a when (Z direction) observes from front side is shown.Fig. 9 B is the side view (with Z opposite direction) of coupler 522a.Fig. 9 C is the cut-open view illustrating along the coupler 522a of VI-VI line shown in Fig. 9 A.

Figure 14 is the key drawing that the structure of the first shutter 622 in the shutter assembly 602 that is arranged on toner Cartridge 502 is shown.Figure 15 A is the key drawing that the structure of the second shutter 632 in shutter assembly 602 is shown to 15C.Figure 15 A illustrates the front view of the second shutter 632 while observing from upside.Figure 15 B illustrates the skeleton view of the second shutter 632 while observing from (with Z opposite direction) dorsad of upside and direction of insertion.Figure 15 C illustrates the skeleton view of the second shutter 632 while observing from the forward side of upside and direction of insertion.

Figure 16 is the key drawing that the structure of shutter assembly 602 is shown, and described shutter assembly 602 is comprised of the first shutter 622 and second shutter 632 of being combined with container parts 51 (toner Cartridge 502) basal surface.Figure 17 is the key drawing of container parts shown in Fig. 3 51, and the cut-open view (the Y-Z plane that comprises VII-VII line section) along VII-VII line is shown.Figure 18 is the skeleton view of the toner container fixed part 902 of toner supply device 43.Figure 19 is the front view of toner container fixed part 902 while observing from upside (Y-direction).Figure 20 is the key drawing that imaging device 102 is schematically shown.Figure 21 A is the key drawing of relation between container fixed mount 220 (toner fixed part 902) that imaging device 102 is shown and toner Cartridge 502 to 21B.Figure 21 A illustrates aspect when toner Cartridge 502 is inserted to container fixed mount 220.Figure 21 B illustrates toner Cartridge 502 and is inserted into an aspect in container fixed mount 220.Figure 22 provides the skeleton view of the structure that container fixed mount 220 (toner container fixed part 902) is shown.Figure 23 A is the maintenance rail 209 illustrating in the side wall section 50c of toner Cartridge 502 to 23C, and the key drawing of the function of the maintenance rail 221 of container fixed mount 220.Figure 23 A is illustrated in Z direction and keeps rail 209 in the face of keeping the aspect of rail 221.Figure 23 B illustrates the aspect that keeps rail 209 contacts to keep rail 221.Figure 23 C illustrates and keeps in the Y direction rail 209 and the aspect that keeps rail 221 crossovers.

In Fig. 8, omit the internal structure of container parts 51 (toner Cartridge 502) and other parts beyond the interior coupler 522a of agitating member 52.Figure 20 illustrates the interior developing apparatus 23 of imaging device 102, toner supply device 43, container fixed mount 220 and is inserted in the same manner each toner Cartridge 502 (502Y, 502M, 502C, 502BK) in container fixed mount 220.Structure is above omitted.In addition, in Figure 21, for simple description, each part in container fixed mount 220 and toner container fixed part 902 is given prominence to when simplifying, so its not always realistic structure or other accompanying drawing.

As shown in Fig. 4 to 8, toner Cartridge 502 is box-like on the whole.Container parts 51 (referring to Fig. 8 etc.) is included in toner Cartridge 502.In toner Cartridge 502 (in container parts 51), electric substrate 572, couple hole 582, the first pilot hole 201 and the second pilot hole 202 and supply/escape hole 203 and be all arranged on front end surface 50a upper (in Z direction).

Electric substrate 572 outsides are covered by substrate lid 572a.Electric substrate 572 can move along X-Y plane in substrate covers 572a.Location adjustment hole 572b is configured in electric substrate 572 center.The position adjustments projection being arranged in the container fixed mount 220 (referring to Figure 22) illustrating below can be fitted in the 572b of position adjustments hole in Z-direction.The size of position adjustments hole 572b is set to be convenient to when position adjustments projection is fitted into hole 572b equipped protruding in the direction along X-Y plane.In the time of in position adjustments projection is fitted into position adjustments hole 572b, the communication base plate position that is positioned at toner supply device 43 container fixed mounts 220 (referring to Figure 22) of describing is below positioned on the correct position of electric substrate 572.This position be suitable position be because: the contact terminal that is arranged on communication base plate can contact with electric substrate 572 (contact terminal is set in it) suitably.Similarly, it is suitable that the situation that can set up suitable connection (exchanges data) by two contact terminals between communication base plate and electric substrate 572 is at this.Like this, in the time of in position adjustments projection is fitted into position adjustments hole 572b, by being positioned at the communication base plate of toner supply device 43, just can and comprising between the imaging device 102 (referring to Figure 20 etc.) of controller at electric substrate 572 and realize the message exchange by connecting.In toner supply device 43, position adjustments projection is relevant to the position of the first register pin 951 (referring to Figure 29) and arranges, and described the first register pin 951 arranges corresponding to the position of the first pilot hole 201 as home position.Position adjustments projection arranges relevantly to the position of the first register pin 951 (with reference to Figure 29), and the first register pin 91 is arranged to the position corresponding to the first pilot hole 201 as home position in toner supply device 43.When toner Cartridge 502 is inserted into toner supply device 43 when interior suitably, electric substrate 572 is positioned at suitable position.So electric substrate 572 (and position adjustments hole 572b) is arranged on toner Cartridge 502 (its front end surface 50a, Z direction) in the position of the first pilot hole 201 corresponding to as standard.

The coupler 522a that is arranged on the agitating member 52 of container parts 51 inside exposes to (in Z direction) before container parts 51 through coupling hole 582.The structure of coupler 522a will be described in detail later.Couple hole 582 and be provided with protection walls section 582a, couple hole 582 around the hole that can expose coupler 522a.Protection walls section 582a forms in Z direction from the front surface of toner Cartridge 502 (container parts 51) to front side projection.Protection walls section 582a in the vertical direction of z axis around the coupler 522a exposing from coupling hole 582.Like this, just can prevent from coupling hole 582 by protection walls section 582a and in the opposite direction of Z direction, contact coupler 522a.So coupler 522a can be protected.Couple hole 582 (the coupler 522a that comprises agitating member 52) according to the position arrangement of the first pilot hole 201 as normal place in toner Cartridge 502 (front end surface 50a, Z direction).

It is inner that the first pilot hole 201 is formed on the first location wall section 201a, and described the first location wall section 201a is cylinder form, and in the front surface of toner Cartridge 502 (container parts 51), Z side extends upward.The first location wall section 201a is from the antetheca section that forms toner Cartridge 502 (container parts 51) front surface towards Z direction projection, and the projection of the opposition side from antetheca section (the inside of container parts 51) towards Z direction, as shown in Figure 8.When the opposition side from Z direction is observed cross section surface (referring to Fig. 7), in z axis side, the inner space of upwardly extending the first location wall section 201a forms circle.Therefore,, when observing its cross section surface from the vertical direction of Z direction, the first pilot hole 201 forms circular.The first pilot hole 201 extends upward in Z side.

The inner surface (that is, container parts 51 inside of toner Cartridge 502) of the first location wall section 201a contacting container parts 51.The inner surface of the whole section contact toner Cartridge 502 (container parts 51) of the first location wall section 201a in Z direction of container parts 51 inside.In addition, inclined surface section 201b is arranged on the end of the first location wall section 201a in Z direction.Inclined surface section 201b makes interior space, that is, the internal diameter of the first pilot hole 201 becomes large gradually towards Z direction.

The first register pin 951 (referring to Figure 29) of describing below can be fitted into the first pilot hole 201 in Z direction, and described the first register pin 951 is arranged on the container fixed mount 220 (referring to Figure 22) in toner supply device 43.The first register pin 951 is upwardly extending cylindricalitys in Z side.The size of the first register pin 951 is arranged in the direction along X-Y plane, be fitted in the first pilot hole 201 when inserting.Thus, by the first register pin 951 is fitted in the first pilot hole 201, the direction of toner Cartridge 502 can be matched with toner supply device 43 (the container fixed mount 220 will be described later, Z direction as shown in figure 22).Due to inclined surface section, 201b is arranged on the front end component of the first pilot hole 201 in Z direction, so be easy to equipped the first register pin 951 when toner Cartridge 502 is inserted into the container fixed mount 220 (toner feeding unit 43) of describing below.

The second pilot hole 202 is formed on the inside of the second location wall section 202a, and the second location wall section 202a is cylindricality and in Z direction, extends on toner Cartridge 502 (container parts 51) front surface, as shown in Fig. 4 to 8.The second pilot hole 202 is arranged on the opposition side of the first location wall section 201a on left and right directions of the first pilot hole 201.As shown in Figure 8, the second location wall section 202a antetheca section from toner Cartridge 502 (container parts 51) in Z direction is protruding to front side, and the projection of the opposite direction from antetheca section to Z direction.In the cross section surface of the opposition side of Z direction, extend in the inner space P of Z direction, the direction of line LS of center that connects its center and the first location wall section 201a is longer.That is, in the online LS direction of the second location wall section 202a, every limit is semi-circular portions, and in the direction of online LS, the second location wall section has longer hole.That is, when thering is longer hole in the online LS direction of the second pilot hole 202 when observing its cross section surface perpendicular to the direction of z axis.

The inner surface of the container parts 51 (that is, toner Cartridge 502) of second location wall section 202a contact the first location wall section 201a opposition side on left and right directions.In the second location wall section 202a, the surface, inside of the whole section contact toner Cartridge 502 (container parts 51) in the inner Z direction of container parts 51.In addition, inclined wall section 202b is arranged on the second location wall section 202a in Z direction on its end pieces.Thereby configuration inclined wall section 202b expands its inner space, and in other words, the internal diameter of the second pilot hole 202 becomes large towards Z direction.

Second place probing pin 952 (referring to Figure 29) can be fitted in the second pilot hole 202, and described second place probing pin 952 is arranged on the container fixed mount 220 (referring to Figure 22) in the toner supply device 43 of describing below.Second place probing pin 952 is cylindricalitys longer in Z direction.Second place probing pin 952 there is suitable size so that when inserting along X-Y surface and the vertical line of line LS (referring to Fig. 7) be equipped with into the second pilot hole 202.In other words, thus configuration second place probing pin 952 is inserted in the second pilot hole 202 towards line LS direction (referring to Fig. 7) when being fitted into the second pilot hole 202.Between gap between interior adjustment the first pilot hole 201 of container fixed mount 220 and the second pilot hole 202 is with respect to the first register pin 951 and the second register pin 952 poor (referring to the Figure 22) in gap, thereby the second pilot hole 202 can be accepted second place probing pin 952.So the first register pin 951 can be fitted in the first pilot hole 201, and the second register pin 952 can be fitted in the second pilot hole 202.From such structure, toner Cartridge 502 can keep about toner supply device 43 (the container fixed mount 220 will be described later, predetermined attitude as shown in figure 22).Because inclined surface parts 202b to be arranged on its front end component in Z direction, so when toner Cartridge 502 is inserted into the container fixed mount 220 (toner supply device 43) of describing below, the second pilot hole 202 can more easily be accepted second place probing pin 952.

At this, the structure installation of the first pilot hole 201 and the second pilot hole 202 is at least to make toner Cartridge 502 can keep the predetermined attitude of container fixed mount 220 (toner supply device 43).That is, first and second pilot hole 201 and 202 structure can be mutually different, and are not always limited to the structure as embodiment.For example, they can be positioned at reciprocal position.The second pilot hole must not have slotted hole.

Supply/escape hole 203 is arranged on the position of upper end (end pieces in the Y direction) in contiguous toner Cartridge 502 (container parts 51) front surface.Supply/escape hole 203 comprises and penetrates supply/escape hole 203a of toner Cartridge 502 (container parts 51) front wall section and in Z direction, be arranged on the filtrator 203b on end pieces.Supply/escape hole 203a is arranged on the position not stopping for developer G, in other words, exactly within developer G packs toner Cartridge 502 completely into, for example, in the situation of (, traffic condition), be not embedded in fill the position in (supply) developer G.The position that is not developed agent G obstruction makes the Y-direction of toner Cartridge 502 in the face of the vertical direction of upside.Filtrator 203b accepts air and passes through, and the developer G that simultaneously prevents from being contained in container parts 51 is emitted to outside.Thus, supply/escape hole 203 is configured to prevent developer G dissipation, and for supplying air to container parts 51, and eject the air from container parts 51.Supply/discharge aperture 203a (supply/escape hole 203) can be arranged on diverse location, as long as it is not developed agent G and stops.For example, it can be arranged on the upper surface of toner Cartridge 502, or other parts, and it is not limited to the structure as embodiment.

Sealing/turned parts 592 is arranged on the bottom of container parts 51 in succession in emission path 54 (referring to Fig. 3).In sealing/turned parts 592, the coupler 562a that can be rotatably set in the screw conveyor 56 in transport path 54 can expose from the front surface (front side surface z axis direction) of container parts 51.The upside of sealing/turned parts 592 is hidden by top board parts 592a.At this, the one side on top board parts 592a left and right directions is gone by sanction.Therefore,, due to top board parts 592a, can prevent that sealing/turned parts 592 from contacting the coupler 562a of screw conveyor 56 on the opposite direction of Z direction and the opposite side at left and right directions on upside.Thus, coupler 562a can be protected.In toner Cartridge 502, (in Z direction in front end surface 50a) sealing/turned parts 592 (being arranged at the coupler 562a of screw conveyor 56 wherein) is arranged on corresponding to the first pilot hole 201 positions as standard.

Coupler 562a is configured to be similar to the coupler 522a of agitating member 52.So, below, structure and the running of coupler 522a are only described, these contents of coupler 562a are all omitted.Coupler 522a (coupler 562a) comprises a pair of hook-type projection 522b, if Fig. 9 A is to as shown in 10E.Hook-type projection 522b is arranged in agitating member 52 each side as the axostylus axostyle line of axis.To hook-type projection 522b, each comprises the tilt component that is arranged on approach end parts 522c place for this.Forming such inclination is to reduce hook-type projection 522b from the length of the reverse side in Z direction on end pieces 522c surface.On circumferencial direction centered by the axostylus axostyle line by mixing component 52, pair of angled surface 522d is arranged at hook-type projection 522b at end pieces 522c.Two inclined surface 522d tilt to reduce hook-type projection 522b from end pieces 522c side length (opposite direction in Z direction reduces) toward the outer side.

Coupler 522a is connected to the stirring-driving coupler 301 (referring to Figure 10 D) being arranged in toner supply device 43 inner pressurd vessel fixed mounts 220.Stir-drive coupler 301 and be positioned at container fixed mount 220 (toner supply device 43), comprise with carrying-drive coupler and similarly constructing, the coupler 562a of connecting screw rod conveyer 56 in described conveying-driving coupler.As shown in FIG. 10A and be similar to coupler 522a, stir-drive coupler 301 and comprise a pair of hook-type projection 301a.Hook-type projection 301a is arranged in each side of stirring-driving coupler 301 central axis C a (the axostylus axostyle line that is equivalent to agitating member 52).Stir-drive the central axis C a rotation of coupler 301 in container fixed mount 220.So, hook-type projection 301a can come the driving force of spinning-driver element to rotate around central axis C a by reception.When stir-driving coupler 301 is not rotated, in the sense of rotation of stir-driving coupler 301 inherences with Ca axis centre, there is allowance scope in container fixed mount 220 (toner feeding unit 43).Therefore, can allow by receiving external force, by stirring-drive coupler 301, slightly rotate (by the rotary drive of hook-type projection 301a).

Hook-type projection 301a is included in the inclination position that is positioned at adjacent end part 301b on the upside of Z direction.Thereby form this inclination and reduce the length of hook-type projection 301a on the reverse direction of Z direction.Therefore, axostylus axostyle line when the equipped agitating member 52 of central axis Ca, and while stirring-driving coupler 301 in the face of coupler 522a, each end pieces 301b of a pair of hook-type protrusion 301a can be in the direction of central axis C a level in each end pieces 522c of a pair of hook-type projection 522b.Under these conditions, when stir-driving coupler 301 approaches coupler 522a, pair of end parts 301b and end pieces 522c contact with each other.Here, by the guiding function of two couples of end pieces 301b and 522c, thereby produce directed force, guide a pair of hook-type projection 301a towards the inside of a pair of hook-type projection 522b.Thereby, even if two hook-types projection 301a (end pieces 301b) and hook-type projection 522b (end pieces 522c) contact with each other, also can prevent axostylus axostyle line mispairing between stir-driving coupler 301 and coupler 522a of central shaft Ca and agitating member 52.

As shown in Figure 10 B, in a circumferential direction, pair of angled surface 301c is arranged on the both sides centered by central axis C a.Pair of angled surface 301c starts the length on Z direction so that reduce hook-type projection 301a from end pieces 301b at a slant.In embodiment, the angle of inclination of inclined surface 301c is similar in appearance to the angle of end pieces 522c medium dip surface 522d.Therefore, as described, when the equipped axostylus axostyle line of agitating member 52 of central axis Ca and the pair of end parts of stirring-driving coupler 301, when each end pieces 522c of coupler 522a contacts with each other (with reference to Figure 10), another inclined surface 522d that one of them inclined surface 301c contact of observing from the circumferencial direction of end pieces 301b is observed from the circumferencial direction of end pieces 522c.Here, stirring-drive coupler 301 can be around central axis C a rotation, as described in.Guiding function by inclined surface 301 and 522d stirs-drives coupler 301 and rotates and move to and more approach coupler 522 (reference arrow A10), and can prevent from stirring-driving the collision of the end pieces 301b of coupler and the end pieces 522c of coupler 522a.As shown in Figure 10 D, when stirring-driving coupler 301 and coupler 522 being set making to observe from the circumferencial direction centered by central axis C a (sense of rotation), the two couples of hook-type projection 301a and 522b one after the other place each other.In this case, when stir-driving coupler 301 is rotated in container erecting frame 220 (toner supply device 43), agitating member 52 rotations of toner Cartridge 502, hook projection 301a promotes corresponding hook projection 522b in sense of rotation thus.Therefore as described in while observing from the circumferencial direction centered by central axis C a (sense of rotation), in the situation that the two couples of hook-type projection 301a and 522b one after the other place each other, stir-driving coupler 301 and coupler 522a are connected.

As shown in Fig. 4,5,11 and 12, loading area 204 and holder 205 are arranged on the upper surface of toner Cartridge 502 (opposite side surfaces of Y-direction).Loading area 204 is configured to be included in the 204a of cap portion in load port, and described load port penetrates the upper wall section of the upper surface that limits toner Cartridge 502.Load port is connected to container parts 51.Developer G loads towards the container parts 51 loading in section 204 from load port.The 204a of cap portion can prevent developer G dissipation by the load port of sealing loading area 204.

Holder 205 arranges in pairs on the upper surface of toner Cartridge 502, contiguous rear side (negative direction of Z direction) adjacent lateral side while observing from left and right directions (directions X).A pair of holder 205 is protruding towards the positive side of Y-axis line direction from the upper surface of toner Cartridge 502.Protruding part in the positive side of the Y-axis line of holder 205 increases gradually towards the minus side of z axis direction.

As shown in FIG. 11 and 12, handle 206 is arranged on the rear surface of toner Cartridge 502 (minus side of Z direction).Handle 206 comprises recess 206a and covers the handle wall section 206b of the upside of recess 206a.Recess 206a by female part is partly placed on toner Cartridge 502 restriction back wall surface rear wall section in form in the heart, make the central part of rear wall section comprise there is in the Y direction the recess of depression 206a.Handle wall section 206b comprises that thereby latticed rib 206c guarantees rigidity.Handle 206 makes the hand being more easily inserted in recess 206a by use catch handle wall 206b to carry toner Cartridge 502.

As shown in figure 13, rectangle and part towards the attached fixed mount 61 of the negative direction projection of Y-direction around the lower wall sections 50b of toner Cartridge 502 is arranged on exhaust outlet 55.Shutter assembly 602 is by provide the first shutter 622 and the second shutter 632 to form with attached fixed mount 61, thereby in Z direction, slides thereon and move (with reference to Figure 16).A pair of guide recess 64 is formed on attached fixed mount 61.Each guide recess 64 is by attached fixed mount 61, two on directions X are arranged on the recess that has depression on directions X and extend upward (with reference to Figure 13) in Z side on distolateral and form.From guide recess 64, relatively at a pair of part 64a of directions X projection, with the configuration of guide recess 64, forming.In other words, thus provide part 64a to limit guide recess 64 on attached fixed mount 61.

A pair of fixed lobe 65, a pair of support protrusion 66 and a pair of release projection 67 are arranged on the lower wall sections 50b that attached fixed mount 61 is provided.In addition, web joint parts 207 and differentiation projection 208 are arranged on lower wall sections 50b upper (with reference to Fig. 7).Fixed lobe 65 comprises cardinal extremity section 65a and pressure-containing parts 65b, and limits the cyclic space 65c between lower wall sections 50b and pressure-containing parts 65b.Support protrusion 66 comprises cardinal extremity section 66a and dull and stereotyped 66b.The end pieces of a pair of cardinal extremity section 66a is corresponding to sloped wall surface 66c.Support protrusion 66 comprises protrudes retainer 66d, and the end pieces of dull and stereotyped 66b is partly protruding towards Y-direction in Z direction by described protrusion retainer 66d.Release projection 67 is arranged on the end pieces in the Z direction of attached fixed mount 61, and towards Z direction projection.In Z direction, the front end surface 67a of release projection 67 is present in the plane same with X-Y plane.Release projection 67 is arranged on the upside of the interior a pair of guide recess 64 of attached fixed mount 61 (Y-direction).

As shown in Figures 6 and 7, web joint parts 207 are from lower wall sections 50b towards the direction projection perpendicular to the curved surface being limited by lower wall sections 50b.Web joint parts 207 are upwardly extending rectangles in Z side.Web joint parts 207 can above slide by the continuing surface 224 (with reference to Figure 22) at container erecting frame 220 in toner supply device 43.In the situation (sliding mode) of web joint parts 207 contact continuing surfaces 224, the height of web joint parts 207 (protruding scope) makes to prevent the lower wall sections 50b contact continuing surface 224 of toner Cartridge 502.

Distinguishing projection 208 is the tabular of (contrary with Y-direction) projection from lower wall sections 50b towards downside.Arranging and distinguishing projection 208 is to be inserted into corresponding to the container erecting frame 220 (toner supply device 43) with the interior contained developer G of toner Cartridge 502 (toner T) different colours for fear of toner Cartridge 502.Distinguish the position of projection 208 and quantity according to the color of the interior contained developer G of toner Cartridge 502 (toner T) and difference.In the illustrated embodiments such as Fig. 7, each side there are two, amount to four.Distinguish the position of projection 208 and position and the quantity of the differentiation groove 225 (with reference to Figure 22) that quantity provides corresponding to the color according to each container erecting frame 220 in toner supply device 43 of describing below.According to distinguishing projection 208 cooperate (with reference to Figure 22) with differentiation groove 225, toner Cartridge 502 (502Y, 502M, 502C and 502BK) can be inserted into suitable container erecting frame 220 (toner Cartridge fixed part 902) corresponding to the same color developer G (toner T) of they self (the developer G comprising).Similarly, can prevent that toner Cartridge 502 is inserted into the container erecting frame 220 (toner Cartridge fixed part 902) (that is, preventing setup error) corresponding to the color different from these box 502 colors.

Distinguishing projection 208 is arranged on the two ends of clamping attached fixed mount 61 on left and right directions.Distinguish projection 208 by the side wall section 50c describing below, guiding wall section 50d and diapire section 50f around.In other words, in the direction along X-Y plane, observe while distinguishing protruding 208, lower wall sections 50b is arranged on upside, and side wall section is arranged on the outside on left and right directions, guiding wall section 50d is arranged on the inner side on left and right directions, and diapire section 50f is arranged on bottom side.And, limit the rear surface (back-end component) of rear end side (in the direction contrary with Z distolateral) of lower wall sections 50b in toner Cartridge 502.Therefore, prevent that the direction beyond Z direction from inserting, make to distinguish projection 208 protection more accurately.Therefore, can prevent toner Cartridge 502 (502Y, 502M, 502C and 502BK) setup error, and by distinguishing projection 208 realizations, cell therefor erecting frame 220 (toner Cartridge fixed part 902) can be inserted more accurately.

As shown in Fig. 4,5 etc., keep rail 209 to be arranged on each side wall section 50c of toner Cartridge 502 upper, each side wall section 50c has the state of maintenance release member 68.Keep rail 209 to consist of board member, described board member extends from corresponding side wall section 50c laterally at left and right directions (directions X).Each keeps rail 209 to comprise the inlet surface 209b of rail main body 209a and inclination.Rail main body 209a extends along side wall section 50c in Z direction.The end pieces of the inlet surface 209b connecting rail main body 209a in Z direction tilting, and tilt towards Y-direction along Z direction.

In addition, the rear section 210 of extension is arranged in each of side wall section 50c of toner Cartridge 502 distolateral (Z direction in the other direction on distolateral).The rear wall section 210 of each extension comprises the rear wall 210a of extension, vertical rib 210b and a plurality of horizontal ribs 210c.The rear wall 210a extending is constructed by the board member extending laterally on left and right directions (directions X), and limit the almost back-end component of foursquare toner Cartridge 502, relevant therewith, container parts 51 is reduced in size gradually towards downside (inner side is to outside), as shown in FIG. 11 and 12.By cooperating between the back-end component of the rear wall 210a that extends and toner Cartridge 502, the rear wall 210a of extension has is convenient to be fitted into the peristome 220a interior (with reference to Figure 21 A-22) of container erecting frame 220 and size very close to each other.The end wall 210a that vertical rib 210b is parallel to extension is arranged on the front side (in Z direction) of the end wall 210a of extension.Vertically rib 210b is by being formed at the upper board member extending from each side wall section 50c towards outside of left and right directions (directions X).Horizontal ribs 210c is arranged to a plurality of, and as the rear wall 210a extending and the bridge of vertical rib 210b in Z direction.Therefore,, in the rear section 210 extending, by configuring vertical rib 210b and a plurality of horizontal ribs 210c, can realize the rigidity of the rear wall 210a extending when weight and material reduce and be guaranteed..

A pair of guiding wall section 50d is arranged at toner Cartridge 502.Shutter protector 50e is further arranged at the front end (front end component in Z direction) of the guiding wall section 50d on right side in Figure 13.The fore-end ground of guiding wall section 50d is towards Z direction part projection and form shutter protector 50e.As described later, shutter protector 50e is arranged in attached fixed mount 61 (the lower wall sections 50b of toner Cartridge 502).Shutter protector 50e surpasses the first shutter 622 and the second shutter 632 in Z direction projection, in the situation that the first shutter 622 and the second shutter 632 (shutter assembly 602) are set, thereby in Z direction, slides into (with reference to Figure 17) on one side.In the situation that toner Cartridge 502 is faced involuntary target, when it inserts in Z direction, shutter protector 50e is contact target before the first and second shutters 622 and 632.Therefore, shutter protector 50e can prevent that the first and second shutters 622 from being pushed away by the minus side towards Z direction is relative with 632.Like this, promoted by preventing by involuntary target, the first and second shutters 622 and 632 can be subject to the protection of shutter protector 50e.

As shown in Fig. 6,7 and 13, diapire section 50f is arranged on the left and right directions of attached fixed mount 61 in each lower member.Between the guiding wall section 50d of each diapire section 50f in the negative direction of side wall section 50c and its Z direction, be set to the bridge on directions X.Lower support element 214 is arranged at each diapire section 50f.Lower support element 214 is arranged at diapire section 50f in couples in the position on contiguous rear side surface (the minus side surface in Z direction).Lower support element 214 is arranged on the outside of each diapire section 50f on left and right directions (directions X).All the opposite direction from diapire section 50f to Y-direction is protruding for two lower support elements 214.Its protruding scope increases gradually to the opposite direction of Y-direction.The first shutter 622 has the lower wall sections 50b of the toner Cartridge 502 that comprises foregoing those structures.

As shown in Figure 14, the first shutter 622 is configured to tabular on the whole, comprises pair of sidewalls section 71, fixture 72, release projection 73, fixed mount 74, pair of engaging section 75, and a pair of guiding wall section 76.Sanction goes part 71a to be formed in each side wall section 71.The distolateral of the Z direction of side wall section 71 goes part 71a to expose by sanction.In the scope that opposition side end pieces can not be opened in Z direction, determine and cut out the length of removing part 71a.More than meeting, about cutting out, go part 71a to arrange to the protrusion retainer 71b of the negative direction projection of Y-direction.

Fixture 72 comprises cardinal extremity 72a and main body 72b.The raised brim of main body 72b forms presser feet parts 72c.Release projection 73 is arranged on main body 72b.On detent position, by pressing to Y-direction, release projection 73 discharges the fixing of the first shutter 622.

Fixed mount 74 by fixture 72 (comprising cardinal extremity 72a) and side wall section 71 around, and comprise the fast door sealing 772 as containment member.Thereby fast door sealing 772 is the fixing fixed mounts 74 that join to.Fast door sealing 772 is by being 61 pushing sealed discharging outlet 55 (object are the passage of closed developer G) of exhaust outlet 55 attached projections around, and described exhaust outlet 55 is arranged on the lower wall sections 50b upper (referring to Figure 17) of toner Cartridge 502.In Z direction, the front end component 772a of fast door sealing 772 is more protruding than the front end component 74a of fixed mount 74.Fast door sealing 772 comprises elastic component such as sponge so that when it is discharged attached projections 61 pushing around of outlet 55, can pass through its elastic deformation and close attachment at exhaust outlet 55 around.As described, can realize sealing (referring to Figure 17) by fast door sealing 772.

The opposition side that pair of engaging section 75 is included in Z direction is parallel to the hook-type surface 75a of X-Y plane.Junction section 75 is also included in the pressing surface 75b that is parallel to X-Y plane in Z direction.

A pair of guiding wall section 76 comprises the guiding surface 76a that is parallel to Y-Z plane.Each guiding surface 76a comprises guide hump 76b.Guide hump 76b can join guide recess 64 (referring to Figure 13) to, and this guide recess 64 is arranged at the attached fixed mount 61 of the lower wall sections 50b of toner Cartridge 502.Guide hump 76b is set to removable therein.Guide recess 64 limits (referring to Figure 13) by parts 64a.When guide hump 76b is inserted into guide recess 64 (referring to Figure 13 etc.), parts 64a can remain in the Y direction guide hump 76b and be provided with between the fast door sealing 772 of fixed mount 74 (referring to Figure 14 etc.).

As shown in Figure 15 A-15C, the second shutter 632 arranges in order to hide the first shutter 622, and it consists of a flat board on the whole.The second shutter 632 comprises flat board 782, release projection 79, pair of sidewalls section 80, a pair of arm shape section 812, and a pair of retainer 82.The second shutter 632 also comprises support protrusion 211.Dull and stereotyped 782 consist of the thin plate that is parallel to X-Z surface, and in Z direction, (in X-Z plane) is rectangle on the whole.Dull and stereotyped 782 end pieces on the opposition side of Z direction are configured to smooth and on directions X, are parallel to X-Y surface and extend.

Release projection 79 is arranged on dull and stereotyped 782.The end pieces of release projection 79 in the opposite direction of Z direction forms inclined surface 79a.Dull and stereotyped 782 also comprise pair of sidewalls section 80.In each side wall section 80, be provided with and insert recess 80a and inclined surface 80b.

A pair of arm shape section 812 from side wall section 80 end pieces on Z direction to Z direction projection.Arm shape section 812 consists of the strip component extending to Z direction.Distance between arm shape section 812 diminishes gradually to Z direction.Each the dull and stereotyped 66b that is arranged on the support protrusion 66 on toner Cartridge 502 lower wall sections 50b can be inserted between each arm shape section 812 and dull and stereotyped 782, and wherein arm shape section 812 is movably.In addition, a pair of insertion recess 80a that is arranged on adjacent arms shape section 812 places accepts the dull and stereotyped 66b of support protrusion 66 similarly.Therefore, the second shutter 632 can be attached to toner Cartridge 502 (on its lower wall sections 50b) to move up in Z side.The first shutter 622 can be maintained between two arm shape sections 812.Described as below, in the situation that the first and second shutters 622 and 632 are all suitably attached to toner Cartridge 502 lower wall sections 50b (referring to Figure 16 etc.), when the first shutter 622 moves to Z direction about the second shutter 632, the side wall section of the first shutter 622 71 contact (interference) arm shape sections 812 (referring to Figure 25 etc.).

The end pieces 812a of each arm shape section 812 is in Z direction projection, and its end pieces comes to a point when seeing from Y-direction.The tip of each end pieces 812a is mutually faced on directions X.Interval between end pieces 812a is shorter than the width of the first shutter 622 (gap between first each side of shutter 622 sidewalls on directions X).Each arm shape section 812 comprises the claw 812b that is adjacent to protruding end parts 812a.Each claw 812b is from each arm shape section 812 (being adjacent to protruding end pieces 812a) outwardly convex on directions X.Its raised brim (outer end on directions X) is arranged in the similar face of side wall section 80 outside surfaces (outer wall surface on directions X).Above state is considered as the initial bending state of arm shape section 812.Arm shape section 812 is flexible and deformation on directions X when applying the power of directions X.Then, when power discharges, arm shape section 812 returns to initial case of bending.

In arm shape section 812, under initial case of bending, the protruding end parts 812a surface on Z direction minus side around forms the plane 812c that is parallel to X-Y plane.Like this, when arm shape section 812 have structure described above (referring to Figure 16) and the first shutter 622 about the second shutter 632 when Z direction moves, plane 812c contacts the front end of first shutter 622 each side wall section 71.At this, plane 812c is parallel to X-Y plane and is arranged to be adjacent to each protruding end parts 812a.The front end of each side wall section 71 of the first shutter 622 is corresponding to the pressing surface 75b that is parallel to X-Y plane of junction section 75.

Each arm shape section 812 of the second shutter 632 is included in the release projection 812d in the Z direction of claw 812b.Release projection 812d is outside and in Z direction projection from the close position of the protruding end parts 812a of arm shape section 812 to directions X, and in its Z direction, forms and discharge inclination 812e.Discharge inclination 812e tilts gradually along lateral Z direction on directions X.The flat board 782 that comprises arm shape section 812 also comprises a pair of retainer 82.

Support protrusion 211 is arranged on contiguous dull and stereotyped 782 central authorities release projection 79 Z opposite direction positions, top.Support protrusion 211 is from dull and stereotyped 782 to Y-direction projection.The front surface of support protrusion 211 in Z direction consists of the flat surfaces 211a that is parallel to X-Y plane.As described later, support protrusion 211 is configured to such size: when the first and second shutters 622 and 632 were arranged on toner Cartridge 502 lower wall sections 50b when upper (referring to Figure 17) rightly, the bridge parts (referring to 72d in Figure 14) on the inherent directions X of the first shutter 622 can be in Z direction contact plane 211a.This bridge parts is arranged on the main body 72b in fixture 72, has the shape as alphabetical H.

As shown in Figure 16 and 17, the first and second shutters 622 and 632 in shutter assembly 602 can be arranged on the lower wall sections 50b of toner Cartridge 502.The first shutter 622 is attached to attached fixed mount 61 by each the guide hump 76b in a pair of guiding wall section 76, and described guide hump 76b is inserted in a pair of guide recess 64 that is arranged on the upper attached fixed mount 61 of toner Cartridge 502 lower wall part 50b.Therefore, due to the guiding function of guide recess 64 with insert guide hump 76b wherein, the first shutter 622 can be on the lower wall sections 50b of toner Cartridge 502 between sealing station and off-position at Z side's upward sliding.In the case, the sanction that the dull and stereotyped 66b of the upper a pair of support protrusion 66 of lower wall sections 50b (interior section 66e observes from directions X as shown in Figure 13) is inserted into the first interior two side of shutter 622 section 71 is gone in part 71a.On minus side with Z direction, be arranged on and cut out the protrusion retainer 71b (referring to Figure 14) going on part 71a end pieces and interfere with the protrusion retainer 66d being arranged in Z direction on dull and stereotyped 66b end pieces.Therefore, by moving and prevented that the first shutter from dropping from lower wall sections 50b (that is, annex fixed mount 61) to Z direction on lower wall sections 50b.

The second shutter 632 is attached by the dull and stereotyped 66b of the support protrusion 66 on toner Cartridge 502 lower wall sections 50b.Dull and stereotyped 66b is inserted in the insertion recess 80a in each side wall section 80.The second shutter 632 can be by inserting the guiding function of recess 80a and being a pair ofly inserted in support protrusion 66 wherein and hiding between position and off-position off-position through the first shutter 622 at Z side's upward sliding.When the second shutter moves to Z direction about the first shutter 622, the support protrusion 211 in the second shutter can be mated with main body 72b (the particularly bridge 72d on directions X).Thereby to being moved further of Z direction, the first shutter 622 can move to sealing station from off-position in Z direction with respect to the second shutter 632.Therefore, in toner Cartridge 502, thereby exhaust outlet 55 can be moved the first shutter 622 and be sealed by fast door sealing 772 to sealing station by the movement of the second shutter 632 in Z direction.

The toner Cartridge 502 that is provided with shutter assembly 602 is inserted in toner supply device 43.Toner supply device 43 comprises and the corresponding toner container fixed part 902 of shutter assembly 602 structure.As shown in Figure 18 and 19, toner container fixed component 902 comprises that guide recess 91, second is inserted recess 92, pickup groove 93, first inserts recess 94, fixed claw assembly 95, supply opening 96 and release piece assembly 97.In addition, toner container fixed component 902 also comprises the press member 212 that promotes release projection and aid in guide parts 213.

Guide recess 91 is arranged to a pair of on directions X.The guiding wall section 50d of toner Cartridge 502 can be inserted in guide recess 91 (referring to Figure 24 etc.).The second shutter 632 in shutter assembly 602 can be inserted in the second insertion recess 92 and it be engaged and removable in Z direction (with reference to Figure 24 etc.).Pickup groove 93 is limited by the fixation wall section 93a that is parallel to X-Y plane on the opposition side of Z direction.Pickup groove 93 is configured to its size the claw 812b (referring to Figure 15 A-15C etc.) in the second shutter 632 inner arm shape sections 812 can be inserted into wherein.First inserts recess 94 is arranged on contiguous the second insertion recess 92 in Z direction.The first shutter 622 of the interior shutter assembly 602 of toner Cartridge 502 can be inserted into movably (referring to Figure 26 etc.) in the first insertion recess 94 in Z direction.At this, the first shutter 622 joins the first insertion recess 94 to.First inserts recess 94 is formed in second step part 98 interior between the second insertion recess 92.

The protruding 95a of fixed claw assembly 95 on comprising on one side and the protruding 95b on its another side.The surface of projection 95a one end solves two side wall section of the attached fixed mount 61 of (fix up) toner Cartridge 502.Protruding 95b on another side can be arranged in toner Cartridge 502 on the first shutter 622 two side sections 71 on the rear surface of the junction section 75 such as (referring to Figure 26) (opposite flank of its hook surface 75a).Around rotation 95c, fixed claw assembly 95 is rotatably set, and applies revolving force to produce initial case of bending (referring to the arrow A 2 in Figure 19).In addition, under initial rotation status, when rightly toner Cartridge 502 being installed, in fixed claw assembly 95, each fixed lobe 95a can be in Z direction contacts with the front end surface of each release projection 67 in the attached fixed mount 61 of toner Cartridge 502.

Supply opening 96 in Z direction adjacent to the first insertion recess 94.The core of supply opening 96 is provided with hole as toner supply opening 96a, and described toner supply opening 96a is connected to interim toner chamber 44 (referring to Fig. 3).Supply opening 96 forms first step part 99 between the first insertion recess 94.The position of supply opening 96 upper end faces is set with in the situation that toner Cartridge 502 appropriately inserts, contacts Face to face the rear surface of attached fixed mount 61.The upper surface of supply opening 96 has hole for toner supply opening 96a is provided in the Y direction.The rear surface of attached fixed mount 61 has hole for exhaust outlet 55 is provided on the opposition side of Y-direction.In this structure, exhaust outlet 55 and toner supply port 96a couple together to face with each other in the Y direction.

Release piece assembly 97 applies power to release piece 97a makes elasticity applicator member 97b can get the initial raised position as shown in Figure 18 and 19.Release piece 97a comprises front side inclination 97c and backward inclination 97d.In release piece assembly, in 97, when it is not subject to any power, the position of release piece 97a is regarded as initial raised position.The front end component of release piece 97a can be pushed in toner container fixed part 902 against elasticity applicator member 97b.

The press member 212 that pushing release projection is set moves laterally the arm shape section 812 of the second shutter 632 on directions X to insert the second insertion recess 632 corresponding to the second shutter 632.Press member 212 is set to a pair of with corresponding to each arm shape section 812 on directions X.Each press member 212 comprises when having right and left direction (directions X) to observe, on the directions X of pickup groove 93, towards the base component 212b of end pieces internal protrusion, and the main part 212b that exerts pressure from the lobe terminus of the main part 212b that exerts pressure to Z opposite direction side projection.As described later, the size of base component 212a and position are set to prevent that claw 812b in arm shape section 812 from entering in pickup groove 93 (referring to Figure 24-26 etc.).The front end component (hereinafter rising, referred to as protruding end 212c) that the main body 212b that exerts pressure is set in Z opposite direction side is with to the second insertion recess 92 projections.After protruding end 212c, the pressing surface 212d of inclination is set.The pressing surface 212d tilting tilts towards Z direction from inside to outside at directions X.

In each press member 212 that release projection is exerted pressure, the main body of exerting pressure 212b (the pressing surface 212d of protruding end 212c and inclination) is designed to have the average height of the counterpart arm shape section 812 (particularly release projection 812d and release inclination 812e) of the second shutter 632 that is inserted into the second insertion recess 92.In each press member 212, the protruding end 212c of the main body of exerting pressure 212b and inclination pressing surface 212d are arranged at the position (referring to Figure 24) to the release inclined surface 812e of arm shape section 812 release projection 812d on Z direction.The Position Design of each press member 212 becomes to make before the second shutter 632 moves to the margin line that second step part 98 limits (referring to Figure 24), the inclined surface 812e that exerts pressure of the protruding end 212c of the main body of exerting pressure 212b and inclination pressing surface 212d contact arm shape section 812.

Therefore, in each press member 212, when the second shutter 632 enters through two insertion recesses 92 (referring to Figure 24 etc.), the release projection 812d of each the arm shape section 812 of the main body of exerting pressure 212b contact in initial raised position.Along with the second shutter 632 is moved further in Z direction, due to the protruding end 212c of the inclined surface 812e at protruding 812d and the main body 212b that exerts pressure and the interaction between inclination pressing surface 212d, press member 212 moves to the claw 812b of arm shape section 812 (outer end on directions X) position of side wall section 80 outsides (its outer end).Thus, claw 812b enters in pickup groove 93 (referring to Figure 25 etc.).

Aid in guide parts 213 are arranged on guide recess 91 and second and insert on the end pieces in the negative direction of Z direction of the wall section between recess 92.These aid in guide parts 213 comprise the outer inclination surface 213a on its outside when right and left direction (directions X) is observed, and inner inner side inclined surface 213b.Outside inclined surface 213a makes each guiding wall section 50d can enter smoothly guide recess 91 to a pair of guiding wall section 50d of guide recess 91 guiding.The second shutter that inner side inclined surface 213b guiding is provided with the second insertion recess 92 makes each guiding wall section 50d will include the second insertion recess 92 in smoothly.

Toner container fixed part 902 is arranged on the inner side of container fixed mount 220 of imaging device 102 (referring to Figure 20 etc.), as shown in Figure 22.As shown in Figure 20, developing apparatus 23 arranges in (along the direction of X-Z plane) in the horizontal direction abreast.Corresponding therewith, photosensitive drums 21, transfer belt 30, toner supply device 43 etc. arrange (although in Figure 20, only showing toner supply device) in the horizontal direction abreast.For toner accommodating box 502, imaging device 102 is containing four container fixed mounts 220 corresponding to yellow, cyan, magenta and black.Each corresponding a kind of color.Container fixed mount 220 is arranged in the horizontal direction abreast corresponding to the developing apparatus 23 (toner supply device 43) arranging abreast in the horizontal direction.Each container fixed mount 220 receives a kind of toner Cartridge 502 (502Y, 502M, 502C, 502BK) of color.Similar with toner container fixed equipment 902 to toner Cartridge 502, except as the differentiation groove 225 of rear narration, each container fixed mount 220 has almost identical configuration.So describe and the structure of a container fixed mount 220 only shown in Figure 21 A to 22 at this, omit other those container fixed mounts 220 at this.

As shown in Figure 21 A-22, container erecting frame 220 is contained in imaging device 102 by the peristome 220a of the outer wall section of imaging device 102.Container erecting frame 220 is cuboid, and toner Cartridge fixed part 902 is inserted in its space.Peristome 220a is close to rectangle, and its size makes the distolateral parts of the intimate rectangle of toner Cartridge 502 can be inserted into (with reference to Figure 21 B) and do not have betwixt or almost very close to each other.

Container erecting frame 220 comprises maintenance rail 221.Keep rail 221 to be arranged on container erecting frame 220 each inside surface 220b on left and right directions (directions X).Each keeps rail 221 to consist of the planar plate members that direction (directions X) is protruded to the left and right of the inside from respective inner surfaces 220b.As shown in Figure 23 B, when toner Cartridge 502 is inserted into container erecting frame 220, keep rail 221 contacts to keep the upper surface (surface in Y-direction) of the inclination inlet surface 209b of rail 209, described maintenance rail 209 is arranged at the side wall section 50c of toner Cartridge 502.As shown in Figure 23 B-23C, when toner Cartridge 502 further moves to Z direction, the upside (Y-direction) of the rail body 209a that keeps rail 221 to relatively move to keeping rail 209 is also in contact with it from upside.Therefore, can prevent that toner Cartridge 502 from moving to upside (Y-direction), and by maintenance rail 221, limit its attitudes in container erecting frame 220.

As shown in Figure 21 A-22, keeper 222 is arranged at each inner surface 22b of container erecting frame 220 on the upside (Y-direction) that keeps rail 221.Keeper 222 protrudes the inside of (directions X) to left and right direction from respective inside surface 220b.Its protrusion scope on left and right directions increases gradually along Z direction.The size of keeper 222 forms and makes at least position when protrusion scope is maximum clamp toner Cartridge 502 (both sides) along left and right directions.

As shown in figure 22, thus a pair of installation base portion 223 is arranged at two sidepieces that container erecting frame 220 covers toner Cartridge fixed part 902 on left and right directions.The uper side surface that base portion 223 is installed be form corresponding to the curve of the curved surface being limited by lower wall sections 50b adjust surface 224, thereby while preventing from inserting, may appear at the interference of lower wall sections 50b (with reference to Fig. 6).When toner Cartridge 502 is container erecting frame 220 is interior while moving to Z direction, the web joint parts 207 in the lower wall sections 50b of toner Cartridge 502 (with reference to Fig. 6 etc.) can contact and slide and adjust surface 224.When adjusting surface 224 contact web joint parts 207, due to the above-mentioned structure of web joint parts 207, can prevent from adjusting the lower wall sections 50b of surface 224 contact toner Cartridges 502.

Distinguish groove 225 and insertion groove 226 and be arranged at installation base portion 223.Distinguish groove 225 and prevent that toner Cartridge 502 is installed to the container erecting frame 220 (toner Cartridge fixed part 902) of the color (yellow, cyan, magenta and black) that is different from the interior contained developer G of toner Cartridge 502 (toner T).Distinguishing groove 225 is recessed to the minus side Y-direction and extends in the Y direction from adjusting surface 224.The size of distinguishing groove 225 is confirmed as holding the differentiation projection 208 (with reference to Fig. 6 etc.) that is arranged at toner Cartridge fixed part 902.Distinguish the position of groove 225 and quantity according to the color of the interior contained developer G of corresponding toner Cartridge 502 and difference.In the example shown, in every side, form two and distinguish groove 225, that is, amount to four.Use this structure, distinguish groove 225 and allow 502 of toner Cartridges to be inserted into the container erecting frame 220 corresponding to same color.

Insertion groove 226 is positioned in lateral outer side (directions X) in the bottom of mounting and fixing support 223.Insertion groove 226 inwardly concaves and extends upward in Z side.Insertion groove 226 can receive the maintenance state release member 68 that toner Cartridge 502 provides (with reference to Figure 16 etc.), and allows to keep state release member 68 in Z side, to be moved upwards up to release piece assembly 97 (97a of release piece shown in Figure 18 etc.).

Operation referring to Figure 24-26 explanations shutter assembly 602 and toner Cartridge fixed part 902 when toner Cartridge 502 is inserted into container erecting frame 220.Figure 24 illustrates the key drawing that toner Cartridge 502 is inserted into the aspect of toner Cartridge fixed part 902.Figure 24 comprises the cut-open view of the toner Cartridge 502 that is similar to Figure 16 and is similar to the front view of the toner Cartridge fixed part 902 of Figure 19.Figure 24 also illustrates a pair of press member 212 with projection and opening.Figure 24 also illustrates the main body 212b that exerts pressure, protruding end parts 212c and the inclination pressing surface 212d of press member 212, press member 212 contacts with the release projection 812d (and inclined surface 812e) of a pair of arm shape section 812, as curved situation in the second shutter 632 of toner Cartridge 502 main.Figure 25 is the key drawing that is similar to Figure 24, and the second shutter 632 of the toner Cartridge 502 contacting with the second step parts 98 of toner Cartridge fixed part 902 is shown.Figure 26 is the key drawing that is similar to Figure 24, and the exhaust outlet 55 of the toner Cartridge 502 being connected with the toner supply opening 96a of toner Cartridge fixed part 902 (toner supply device 43) is shown.

Initially, utilize handle 206 (with reference to Figure 21 A and 21B etc.) to catch toner Cartridge 502, and its (comprising toner Cartridge fixed part 902) moved to container erecting frame 220 towards direction of insertion (Z direction), the arrow A 11 as shown in Figure 21 A is indicated.Now, this part guiding wall section 50d (with reference to Figure 16 etc.) is inserted in a pair of guide recess 91 of toner Cartridge fixed part 902 (with reference to Figure 19 and 20 etc.), the web joint parts 207 that then the lower wall sections 50b of toner Cartridge 502 provided (with reference to Fig. 6 etc.) are arranged on each continuing surface 224 (with reference to Figure 22) that container erecting frame 220 provides.Therefore the corresponding maintenance rail 209 (with reference to Figure 23 A-23C) that, the interior maintenance rail 221 of container erecting frame 220 provides at the pair of sidewalls section 50c of toner Cartridge 502 from lower side contacts.Each keeper 222 clips toner Cartridge 502 (its side surface) on left and right directions (directions X).Therefore, corresponding to the moving direction of the toner Cartridge 502 of toner Cartridge fixed part 902, be limited to direction of insertion (in Z direction), as shown in figure 24.

As shown in Figure 16-17, the first shutter 622 is in detent position in shutter assembly 602, and shutter sealing 772 is crushed on exhaust outlet 55 attached fixed mount 61 around, thus sealing exhaust outlet 55.The second shutter 632, in the covering position of shutter assembly 602, therefore comprises that the first shutter 622 of release projection 73 is covered by the second shutter 632.In addition, in the first shutter 622, the presser feet parts 72c in the main element 72b of fixture 72 contacts the pressure surface 65b of fixed lobe 65 in Z direction.Can prevent that presser feet parts 72c is mobile towards the attached fixed mount 61 (toner Cartridge 502) that is positioned at Z opposite direction side from depressed position.One after the other, at the second shutter 632, the plane surface 812c that is parallel to X-Y of the protruding end parts 812a of adjacent arms shape section 812 contacts the front end component of the side wall section 71 of the first shutter 622,, is parallel to the pressing surface 75b of the X-Y plane of junction section 75 that is.So, can prevent that the opposition side towards directions X moves the second shutter 632 corresponding to attached fixed mount 61 (toner Cartridge 502), as shown in figure 16.

Along with toner Cartridge 502 moves towards Z direction, the second shutter 632 of shutter assembly 602 enters second of toner Cartridge fixed part 902 and inserts in recess 92.At initial bending state, main body 212b (the protruding end 212c that exerts pressure of the press member 212 in release projection 812d (particularly discharging inclined surface 812e) the contact toner Cartridge fixed part 902 of the arm shape section 812 in the second shutter,, inclination pressing surface 212d), as shown in figure 24.When toner Cartridge 502 further moves towards Z direction, due to the guiding function of protruding end parts 212c, the inclination pressing surface 212d of the main body 212b that exerts pressure and the release inclined surface 812e of release projection 812d, while observing from directions X, arm shape section 812 changes its position (protrusion) towards outside.Therefore, claw 812b can enter the pickup groove 93 (with reference to Figure 25 etc.) that is connected to the second insertion recess 92.In this case, the second step parts 98 (with reference to Figure 25) of the second shutter 632 contact toner Cartridge fixed parts 902.Therefore, thus the second shutter 632 is controlled relative to toner Cartridge fixed part 902 and towards Z direction, does not move.

As shown in figure 26, along with toner Cartridge 502 moves up in Z side, the rear surface of attached fixed mount 61 (the minus side surface in Y-direction) and the upper end face (the positive side surface in Y-direction) of supply opening unit 96 contact with each other Face to face.Meanwhile, the exhaust outlet 55 of attached fixed mount 61 is faced the toner supply opening 96a of supply opening unit 63 in the Y direction, and is connected with it.In this case, another distolateral protruding 95b of fixed claw assembly 95 enters the rear side (the front end component 772a of shutter sealing 772) of the interior junction section 75 of side wall section 71 of the first shutter 622, as the off-position on the control position being limited by first step parts 99.The front side surface 74a of the fixed mount 74 of the first shutter 622 is confirmed as the control position being limited by first step parts 99.

In this case, at the first shutter 622, the front end component 772a of shutter sealing 772 more protrudes (with reference to Figure 14 etc.) than the front end surface 74a of fixed mount 74 in Z direction.Therefore the lug boss that, comprises the shutter sealing 772 of front end component 772a is compressed on first step parts 99.So, in the situation that exhaust outlet 55 is connected with toner supply opening 96a,, the spacing between supply opening unit 96 and the first shutter 622 can be closed in the compression position in shutter sealing 772 to first step parts 99.In addition, similarly, the claw 812b of the arm shape section 812 in the second shutter 632 enters in pickup groove 93.The off-position of claw 812b in the control position being limited by second step parts 98.Here, in the arm shape section 812 of the second shutter 632, be configured so that the main body 212b that exerts pressure of release projection 812d contact press member 212, or the end pieces 812a protruding contacts the side wall section 71 of the first shutter 622.Therefore, arm shape section 812 remains on deformed state, and the end pieces 812a protruding is moved towards directions X when Z direction is extended.In the maintenance state release member 68 of the side wall section 50c of toner Cartridge 502, the horizontal side of tilt component 68b is the front side tilt component 97c to the release piece 97a of release piece assembly 97 on Z direction.Therefore, toner Cartridge 502 is fixed to toner Cartridge fixed part 902 releasedly.

When exhaust outlet 55 is connected with toner supply opening 96a, the first register pin 951 (with reference to Figure 29) that is arranged at container erecting frame 220 can be inserted in the first pilot hole 201 (with reference to Fig. 4).The second register pin 952 (with reference to Fig. 2) that is arranged at container erecting frame 220 is inserted in the second pilot hole 202.Therefore, toner Cartridge 502 can keep the predetermined attitude corresponding to container erecting frame 220.Here, the positioning convex that is arranged at container erecting frame 220 is inserted in the position adjustment hole 572b (with reference to Fig. 4 etc.) on electric substrate 572, makes electric substrate 572 can be positioned at appropriate position.

In addition, at toner Cartridge 502, in Z side, move up while making exhaust outlet 55 and toner supply opening 96a in connection status, be arranged on the upper wall section 220c (with reference to Figure 22) of holder 205 (with reference to Fig. 4) the contacting container erecting frame 220 on the upper surface of toner Cartridge 502, thereby the end pieces side that prevents toner Cartridge 502 moves up (with reference to Figure 21 B etc.).In addition, at toner Cartridge 502, in Z side, move up while making exhaust outlet 55 and toner supply opening 96a in connection status, be arranged at the lower wall sections 220d (with reference to Figure 22) of lower support element 214 (with reference to Fig. 6 etc.) the contacting container erecting frame 220 of the diapire section 50f of toner Cartridge 502, thus the rear end side that prevents toner Cartridge 502 side shifting down.Then, in the situation that exhaust outlet 55 is connected with toner supply opening 96a, as shown in Figure 21 B, the peristome 220a of container erecting frame 220 is filled by an end pieces of toner Cartridge 502.Therefore, the stirring that is arranged at container erecting frame 220 drives coupler 301 to be connected (with reference to Figure 10 D) with the coupler 52a of agitating member 52, and is arranged at the feed drive coupler of container erecting frame 220 and the coupler 562a of screw conveyor 56 (with reference to Fig. 4 etc.) and is connected.

From this structure, toner Cartridge 502 is inserted in toner Cartridge fixed part 902 rightly, and completes the update that toner Cartridge 502 arrives in container erecting frame 220.Therefore, in the time of in toner Cartridge 502 is appropriately inserted into toner supply device 43 (container erecting frame 220), agitating member 52 can be rotated accordingly by the rotary driving force that stirs drive, and screw conveyor 56 can the rotation rightly from carrying-drive coupler to receive driving force.The developer G that so, the exhaust outlet 55 from toner Cartridge 502 can be discharged is outwardly transported to inside (interim toner chamber 44) reliably from the toner supply opening 96a (with reference to Fig. 3) of toner container stationary installation.Therefore, from the developer G of toner Cartridge 502 discharges, be supplied to developing apparatus 23 (with reference to Fig. 3).

Referring to Figure 27 and 28, provide from container erecting frame 220 and discharge the process of toner Cartridge 502, the operation of shutter assembly 602 and toner Cartridge fixed part 902.Figure 27 is the key drawing that is similar to Figure 24, and the aspect that toner Cartridge 502 is removed is shown.Figure 27 illustrates when toner Cartridge 502 moves to the opposition side of Z direction with respect to toner Cartridge fixed part 902, the release aspect of the toner Cartridge 502 being discharged by a pair of release piece assembly 97.Figure 28 is the key drawing that is similar to Figure 24, illustrate by fixing the second shutter 632 of each claw 812b and pickup groove 93 by with respect to toner Cartridge fixed part 902 towards moving with the direction of Z opposite direction the aspect that toner Cartridge 502 discharges.

In toner Cartridge fixed part 902, in order to unload toner Cartridge 502, toner Cartridge moves to the reverse direction of direction of insertion, i.e. the reverse direction of Z direction.In brief, release direction and Z direction are reverse.Here, first, by catching handle 206 (with reference to Figure 21 B etc.) to hold toner Cartridge 502, and move toner Cartridge 502 from container erecting frame 220, that is, and towards the mobile toner Cartridge fixed part 902 of release direction (opposition side of Z direction).Then, by the maintenance state release member 68 on the side wall section 50c of toner Cartridge 502 and release piece assembly 97, discharge stationary state (with reference to Figure 27).The release piece assembly 97 (release piece 97a) that Figure 27 illustrates toner Cartridge fixed part 902 is pushed away within it portion for the motion of releasing operation.The attached fixed mount 61 of toner Cartridge 502 moves to the opposition side of Z direction, and the situation that exhaust outlet 55 is faced the toner supply opening 96a of toner Cartridge fixed part 902 is in the Y direction released.Here, in shutter assembly 602, another distolateral protruding 95b of the interior fixed claw assembly 95 of toner Cartridge fixed part 902 enters the rear side (opposition side of the Z direction of its hook surface 75a) of junction section 75.Thus, thereby the first shutter 622 is controlled and is not in relation to toner Cartridge fixed part 902 and moves towards the opposition side of Z direction, and this is because distolateral protruding 95b contacts the hook surface 75a of junction section 75 in Z direction.In shutter assembly 602, the end pieces 812a of the protrusion of the arm shape section 812 of the second shutter 632 contacts the side wall section 71 of the first shutter 622, and claw 812b enters the pickup groove 93 of toner Cartridge fixed part 902.Claw 812b contacts (interference) with the fixation wall section 93a of pickup groove 93 in Z direction.Therefore, thus the second shutter 632 is controlled not towards the opposition side of Z direction and moves.Here, the second shutter 632 slightly moves on the opposition side of Z direction from the control position being limited by second step parts 98, but it still remains on off-position.When the arm shape section 812 that is inserted into pickup groove 93 as claw 812b covers initial bending state, prevent that release projection 812d (the release surface 812e of its inclination) from interfering toner Cartridge fixed part 902 with the supporting main body 212b that exerts pressure (its protruding end parts 212c and inclination pressing surface 212d) of release projection 812d (with reference to Figure 28 etc.), by described initial bending state, the slight movement in the interior generation of the second shutter 632 towards Z opposite direction side.Therefore, in toner Cartridge 502, can prevent that the first shutter 622 from moving with attached fixed mount 61 (toner Cartridge 502) with the opposition side of the second shutter 632 towards Z direction.That is, the first and second shutters 622 and 632 can keep off-position and move towards Z direction.

When toner Cartridge 502 is mobile towards release direction (opposition side of Z direction), the first shutter 622 is fixed on the controlled location being limited by first step parts 99 by fixed claw assembly 95, until the first shutter 622 arrives the position of shutter sealing 772 (with reference to Figure 17) sealing exhaust outlet 55.In such position, the first shutter 622 moves to the detent position of toner Cartridge 502.Then, when toner Cartridge 502 is when release direction (opposition side of Z direction) is mobile, the shutter sealing 772 of the first shutter 622 is pushed away and is contacted with the exhaust outlet 55 of the attached fixed mount 61 of toner Cartridge 502, the first shutter moves to detent position, thereby exhaust outlet 55 is by its shutter sealing 772 sealings.Now, in shutter assembly 602, the release projection 67 of the attached fixed mount 61 of toner Cartridge 502 (its front end surface 67a) moves to the opposition side of Z direction over a protruding 95a of end of the fixed claw assembly 95 of toner Cartridge fixed part 902.Therefore the state that, attached fixed mount 61 (release projection 67) pushes away a protruding 95a of end towards Z direction is removed.Thereby fixed claw assembly 95 is by getting initial rotation status around rotation 95c rotation.The state that another distolateral protruding 95b of the interior fixed claw assembly 95 of toner Cartridge fixed part 902 enters in the rear side (opposition side of the Z direction of its hook surface 75a) of the junction section 75 in the side wall section 71 of the first shutter 622 is removed.The first shutter 622 can move by the opposition side towards Z direction about toner Cartridge fixed part 902.Thereby when toner Cartridge 502 moves towards the opposition side of Z direction about fixed part 902, the first shutter accurately moves to detent position, and the exhaust outlet 55 of attached fixed mount 61 can be reliably by shutter sealing 772 sealings of the first shutter 622.

Then, when toner Cartridge 502 is further mobile towards release direction (opposition side of Z direction), with toner Cartridge 502, the opposition side in Z direction moves the first shutter 622 of shutter assembly 602, and the second shutter stops being adjacent to the controlled location being limited by second step parts 98.That is, in toner Cartridge 502, the second shutter 632 moves towards Z direction, and the first shutter keeps detent position simultaneously.Then, the first and second shutters 622 and 632 relatively move in Z direction.The off-position that the release projection 73 of the first shutter 622 is faced the release projection 79 of the second shutter 632 is in the Y direction disengaged, thereby prevents that the first shutter 622 from moving towards contrary Z direction about toner Cartridge 502 on the detent position of shutter sealing 772 sealing exhaust outlets 55.

Then, toner Cartridge 502 is upper mobile in release direction (opposition side of Z direction), and the first shutter 622 of shutter assembly 602 enters between the arm shape section 812 that the second shutter 632 provides.The state of arm shape section 812 that the end pieces 812a protruding contacts the side wall section 71 of the first shutter 622 is disengaged (with reference to Figure 28).Therefore, the arm shape section 812 of the second shutter 632 is got initial bending state, and claw 812b is discharged from entering the state of pickup groove 93 of toner Cartridge fixed part 902.The second shutter 632 can move (with reference to Figure 28) towards the opposition side of Z direction about toner Cartridge fixed part 902.Here, as as described in, owing to having prevented that the second shutter 632 from interfering the main body 212b that exerts pressure (its protruding end parts 212c and inclination pressing surface 212d) of the press member 212 of toner Cartridge fixed parts 902, thereby the arm shape section 812 that its claw 812b is inserted into pickup groove 93 can turn back to initial bending state definitely.Now, the second shutter 632 moves to and covers position, for preventing that the release projection 73 of the first shutter 622 from exposing towards the outside (its lower wall sections 50b) of toner Cartridge 502, as shown in figure 28.

Then, toner Cartridge 502 can be by discharging from toner Cartridge fixed part 902 (container erecting frame 220) upper movement of release direction (opposition side of Z direction).Here, as shown in Figure 16,17 and 28, in shutter assembly 602, the first shutter is at detent position.Shutter sealing 772 pushes attached fixed mount 61 around at exhaust outlet 55, thereby by its sealing.The second shutter 632 is covering position and is covering the first shutter that comprises release projection 73.Therefore, toner Cartridge 502 can in be inserted into before similarly situation of toner Cartridge fixed part 902 (container erecting frame 220 and toner supply device 43), shutter assembly 602 sealing exhaust outlets 602 wherein.As described in, complete the releasing operation of toner Cartridge 502.

Below with reference to Figure 29-31, provide the description of toner Cartridge 502 (502Y, 502M, 502C and the 502BK) feature of embodiment.

Figure 29 is the skeleton view of box receiver 950.In imaging device 102, box receiver 950 is arranged on the inner side in the space that container fixed mount 220 comprises (referring to Figure 21 A-22).In box receiver 950, the first register pin 951 and the second register pin 952 are separately positioned in right-hand end and left-hand end.It is upper that the first register pin 951 is arranged on tossing about of directions X, and the second register pin 952 is arranged in directions X side.The first and second register pins 951 and 952 all protrude to the opposition side of Z direction.

The first register pin 951 is in the face of being arranged on the first pilot hole 201 on toner Cartridge 502 front end surface 50a (referring to Fig. 4 etc.).The second register pin 952 is in the face of being arranged on the second pilot hole 202 on the 50a of same side surface (referring to Fig. 4 etc.).The xsect of the first register pin 951 forms circular to be equipped with the shape at the first location wall section 201a above of the first pilot hole 201 (referring to Fig. 4 etc.).The external diameter of the first register pin 951 transversal section forms the internal diameter that is slightly less than the first location wall section 201a.The xsect of the second register pin 952 forms oval to coordinate the shape of the second location wall section 202a.The external diameter (the longest and the shortest diameter) of the second location wall section 202 forms the internal diameter that is slightly less than the second location wall section 202a (the longest and the shortest diameter).

Also have electric substrate connector 953 to be arranged at box receiver 950.Electric substrate connector 953 be connected with electric substrate 572 (referring to Fig. 4 etc.).So, sub-register pin 983a is arranged on the middle body of electric substrate connector 953.Sub-register pin 953a is configured in the face of the position adjustment hole 572b (referring to Fig. 4) in electric substrate 572.

Box receiver 950 also comprises stirring-driving coupler 301 (referring to Figure 10) and carries-drive coupler 954.Stir-drive coupler 301 in the face of the coupler 522a of agitating member 52 (referring to Fig. 4,10 etc.), and carry-drives coupler 301 to face the coupler 562a of screw conveyor 56 (referring to Fig. 4 etc.).Stir-drive coupler and be included in two projecting hook 301a that protrude in Z opposite direction side.Carry-drive coupler 954 also to comprise two projecting hook 954a.In this, in Figure 29, Reference numeral 955 represents motor, and Reference numeral 956 represents the drive line consisting of gear 956a, 956b, 956c, 956d etc.From the revolving force of motor 955 by drive line to carrying-drive coupler 954 and the transmission such as stir-driving coupler.

As described, release member 68 is arranged on the side wall section 50c of toner Cartridge 502 upper (referring to Figure 16 etc.).On the other hand, release piece assembly 97 is arranged at toner Cartridge fixed part 902 (container fixed mount 220), as shown in Figure 18 etc.Release piece assembly 97 comprises front side sloping portion 97c and horizontal side sloping portion 97d and has the power towards outside by flexible pressure member 97b.So, release member 68 is corresponding to fixed lobe, and release piece assembly 97 is corresponding to projection movably, and the two forms retraction assemblies together.

For toner Cartridge 502 is inserted in the container fixed mount 220 of imaging device 102, in the direction of 12 indications of arrow A shown in Figure 31, to container fixed mount 220, push away toner Cartridge 502.Thus, the first register pin 951 is fitted in the second pilot hole 202 on the front end surface 50a that the first pilot hole 201, the second register pins on the front end surface 50a of toner Cartridge 502 are fitted into toner Cartridge 502.Sub-register pin 953a is fitted in the position adjustment hole 572b of electric substrate 572.Meanwhile, the connector component 522a that stirs-drive coupler 301 and agitating member 52 is connected, and carries-drive coupler 954 to be connected with the coupler 562a of screw conveyor 56.

In an embodiment, as shown in Fig. 4,11,21A and 21B, keeper 205 is arranged on the right side and both sides, left side of toner Cartridge 502 upper surfaces along the reverse direction of Z direction.As shown in Figure 13 etc., on toner Cartridge 502 downside surfaces, lower support element 214 is arranged on right side and both sides, left side on the reverse direction of Z direction.Like this, lower support element 214 forms Anti-inclining part.

Specifically, due to the setting of lower support element 214 as shown in Figure 30, when toner Cartridge 502 is inserted into container fixed mount 220 when interior, toner Cartridge 502 can remain parallel to the lower wall sections 220d of the container fixed mount 220 of toner Cartridge 502.That is,, even when toner Cartridge 502 lower ends are retracted assembly and are retracted to arrow A 12 direction, it can not be inserted into the process medium dip of container fixed mount 220 yet.In other words, toner Cartridge 502 keeps parallel with the lower wall sections 220d of container fixed mount 220.So it is configured to the first pilot hole 201 of toner Cartridge 502 to be easily fitted into the first register pin 951 of box receiver 950.Similarly, the second pilot hole 202 of toner Cartridge 502 can easily be fitted into the second register pin 952 of box receiver 950.The position adjustment hole 572b of electric substrate 572 can easily be fitted into the sub-register pin 953a of box receiver 950.

Here, the explanation of the function of retraction assemblies will be provided below.As described in retraction assemblies comprise and keep state release member 68 and release piece assembly 97.When toner Cartridge 502 is inserted into container erecting frame 220,97 contacts of release piece assembly keep state release member 68.Particularly, release piece assembly 97 comprises front side inclination 97c and the oblique 97d of horizontal inclination, and first the oblique 97d of horizontal inclination of release piece assembly 97 contacts and keep state release member 68, as shown in Figure 24-27.When having the release piece assembly 97 of biasing force outwardly and further move to A12 direction, front end surface (contact site of inclination 97c and 97d) contacts and keeps state release member 68.In this case, release piece assembly 97 is held 68 pushings of state release member.

When release piece assembly 97 is moved further in A12 direction, the front side inclination 97c of release piece assembly 97 contact keeps state release member 68.Now, release piece assembly 97 and maintenance state release member 68 limit triangle.The masterpiece towards Z direction being produced by release piece assembly 97 is used in and keeps on state release member 68, and this is because release piece assembly 97 comprises biasing force outwardly.Therefore, toner Cartridge 502 is retracted assembly contraction.

On the other hand, in Figure 31, the basal surface of toner Cartridge 502 does not comprise any keeper 205 as shown in figure 30.Therefore,, when toner Cartridge 502 is inserted into the container erecting frame 220 of imaging device 102 when interior, its lower wall sections 220d towards container erecting frame 220 is low dip slightly.That is, when the lower front end of toner Cartridge 502 is pulled to the Z direction side as shown in arrow A 12 during insertion, toner Cartridge 502 centered by basal surface end 502a towards arrow A 13 direction rotations, and as a whole slightly rotation.Therefore, the first pilot hole 201 of toner Cartridge 502 can not be fitted into the first register pin 951 of box receiver 950.Similarly, the second pilot hole 202 of toner Cartridge 502 can not be fitted into the second register pin 952.In addition, the position adjustment hole 572b of electric substrate 572 can not be fitted into the sub-register pin 953a of box receiver 950.

As described, in an embodiment, lower support element 214 is arranged on the basal surface of toner Cartridge 502.Therefore, when being retracted assembly contraction, toner Cartridge 502 can stably keep its parallel attitude to be inserted in container fixed mount 220.So the first pilot hole 201 can be equipped with the first register pin 951, and the second pilot hole 202 can be equipped with the second register pin 952 like a cork.The sub-register pin 953a of electric substrate 953 can be fitted into the position adjustment hole 572b of electric substrate 572 like a cork.So the rear side end parts of toner Cartridge 502 can be fixed and be kept by box receiver 950, toner Cartridge 502 can be stablized in the interior maintenance of container fixed mount 220.

In addition, in embodiment, the sub-register pin 953a of electric substrate connector 953 can be fitted into the position adjustment hole 572b of electric substrate 572 like a cork, so electric substrate connector 953 and electric substrate 572 can be connected to each other reliably.So the message exchange between electric substrate connector 953 and electric substrate 572 can accurately be carried out.

As shown in Figure 30, between the basal surface of toner Cartridge 502 and the lower wall portion 220d of container fixed mount 220, be provided with micro gap S.By such structure, because at least lower support element 214 (particularly protruding scope) is with high precision manufacture, need not arrange the whole basal surface of toner Cartridge to there is high precision.Therefore, can realize the reduction of production cost.

In toner Cartridge 502 (502Y, 502M, 502C and 502BK), on keeper 205 surface disposed thereon.So it can, when the upper wall section 220c (referring to Figure 22) of toner Cartridge 502 contacting container fixed mounts 220, stop the rear end side of toner Cartridge 502 to move up.Therefore, such structure makes the following possibility that becomes: the first register pin 951 (referring to Figure 29) of container fixed mount 220 is fitted in the first pilot hole 201 (referring to Fig. 4 etc.) rightly; The second register pin 952 (referring to Figure 29) of container fixed mount 220 is fitted in the second pilot hole 202 (referring to Fig. 4 etc.) rightly; The positioning convex of container fixed mount 220 is fitted in position adjustment hole 572b (referring to Fig. 4 etc.) rightly; Stir-drive the coupler 522a that coupler 301 (referring to Figure 10) is connected to agitating member 52 rightly; And carry-drive coupler to be connected to the coupler 562a (referring to Fig. 4 etc.) of agitating member 52.Such structure significantly improves efficiency, because handle portion 206 is arranged on rear surface (opposite side surfaces of direction Y) to catch the handle wall 206b of portion and easily carry toner Cartridge 502 by be inserted into recess 206a with hand.

In toner Cartridge 502 (502Y, 502M, 502C and 502BK), lower support element 214 is arranged on diapire section 50f.So it can be contacted and be prevented that the rear end side of toner Cartridge 502 from moving down by the lower wall sections 220d with container fixed mount 220 (referring to Figure 22).Thereby, can realize appropriate joint, insertion or the connection of each member described above.When in addition, it can prevent electric substrate 572 and is arranged between the communication base plate of container fixed mount 220 (toner supply device 43) because is inserted into container erecting frame 220, the back-end component downward direction of toner Cartridge 502 tilts and the difficult communication that causes.This is obviously effectively, because toner Cartridge 502 back-end components move down because of its conduct oneself with dignity (weight of interior the filled developer G of container parts 51), thereby is easy to.

In toner Cartridge 502 (502Y, 502M, 502C and 502BK), keeper 205 contact upper wall section 220c on upper surface, and lower support element on lower wall sections 50f 214 contact lower wall sections 220d, thereby when observing, the above-below direction from rearward end can get appropriate location.So, can realize appropriate joint, the insertion of each member described above, or connect.In addition, keeper parts 205 and lower support element 214 protrude into Y-direction gradually along the opposition side of Z direction.So, toner Cartridge 502 can be inserted into smoothly in container fixed mount 220 (toner supply device 43) when realizing effect described above.

In toner Cartridge 502 (502Y, 502M, 502C and 502BK), the second location wall section 202a of the first location wall 201a of the first pilot hole 201 and the second pilot hole 202 is connected to container parts 51, that is, and and the inside surface of toner Cartridge 502.Thus, the mixing effect that the agitator 52b (referring to Figure 32 A) by agitating member 52 is contained in the developer G in container parts 51 is further strengthened.This can be described below: for example, the toner Cartridge 502 as shown in Figure 32 B ' in, the first pilot hole 201 ' and the second pilot hole 202 ' be free of attachment to container parts 51,, while observing from the axis of agitating member 52, by the inside surface of toner Cartridge 502, the first pilot hole 201 ' and the second pilot hole 202 ', form blind area Bs between container parts 51 and inner wall section; At this, agitator 52b is set for expanding with radial manner from axis, so, as formed blind area Bs, even if agitating member 52 rotations also become and are difficult to use agitator 52b stirring to be present in the developer G in the Bs of blind area.On the other hand, in the toner Cartridge 502 of the embodiment as shown in accompanying drawing 32A, because locating the 202a of wall portion, the first location 201a of wall portion and second is connected to its inside surface, so the developer G being contained in container parts 51 can be by agitator 52b uniform stirring without such blind area Bs.Like this, just can strengthen the agitator 52b of agitating member 52 to being contained in the mixing effect of the developer G in container parts 51.In this respect, simple and clear for what describe, although the agitator 52b of the inner side of container parts 51 and agitating member 52 is simplified, Figure 32 A from 32B, emphasized that agitator 52b's is different.But, this does not illustrate actual configuration, is different from other accompanying drawing yet.

In embodiment described above, although toner Cartridge 502 comprises single agitating member 52, it can use the toner Cartridge 503 that comprises as shown in figure 33 two agitating members 52 to substitute, and it is not limited to described embodiment.Toner Cartridge 503 comprises two connecting hole 522a to expose the coupling part 522a of corresponding agitating member 52.Connecting hole 583 has the structure similar with connecting hole 58 or 582.Except two agitating members 52, the structure of toner Cartridge 503 is similar to toner Cartridge 502 in embodiment.Because it comprises two agitating members 52, to being contained in the mixing power of the developer G in container parts 51, be enhanced.

Although according to embodiment, toner container support unit of the present invention has been described, its detailed structure is not limited to this.It will be understood by those skilled in the art that in the case without departing from the scope of the present invention and can in described embodiment, make variation.The quantity of described member, position, form etc. are not limited to embodiment, and they can arrange rightly with operation of the present invention.

For example, in an embodiment, although toner supply device 43 (toner container fixed part 902) is arranged at the imaging device 102 as color printer, it also can be arranged at the imaging device that forms monochrome image.It is not limited to embodiment.

According to embodiments of the invention, due to inclination stop component being provided therein, in the time of can preventing from being retracted unit contraction, toner container tilts.

Claims

1. a toner container support unit, comprising:

Accommodate the toner container of toner;

Container fixed mount, this container fixed mount comprises inner space to hold described toner container;

Toner container receiver, the interior distolateral of described inner space that this toner container receiver is arranged on described container fixed mount goes up, and fixes and support the rear end surface of the described toner container that is inserted into described container fixed mount;

Be formed on the pilot hole on the described rear end surface of described toner container;

Be arranged in described toner container receiver with the register pin in the face of described pilot hole;

Retraction assemblies, this retraction assemblies is when being inserted into described toner container in described container fixed mount, the back-end component of described toner container is retracted to toner container receiver side, by described retraction assemblies, shrink the back-end component of described toner container, described register pin is fitted in described pilot hole, thereby the position of described toner container is adjusted; And

Inclination stop motion mechanism, this inclination stop motion mechanism, when the back-end component of described toner container is shunk towards described toner container receiver by described retraction assemblies, prevents that described toner container from tilting.

2. toner container support unit as claimed in claim 1, also comprises:

Be positioned at the electric substrate on the rear end surface of described toner container; And

Be positioned at the connector on described toner container receiver, this connector is connected to described electric substrate, wherein,

The sub-register pin that is different from described register pin is arranged in described connector, and the pilot hole that described sub-register pin coordinates is formed on described electric substrate.

3. toner container support unit as claimed in claim 1 or 2 also comprises:

As the lower support element of described inclination stop motion mechanism, described lower support element is arranged at the front side of the basal surface of described toner container,

Wherein, described lower support element is arranged at right side and left side and protrudes towards downside along the direction of insertion of described toner container, and the projecting member of described lower support element increases at the most on described front side, and distolateral minimizing gradually backwards.

4. the toner container support unit as described in any one in claim 1-3, wherein,

Described retraction assemblies has the fixed lobe on the rear side that is arranged at described toner container, and is arranged on the inner side of described container fixed mount and has the removable projection of biasing force outwardly,

Wherein, when described toner container is inserted into described container fixed mount, the described removable projection described fixed lobe of contact also moves and crosses described fixed lobe when being promoted by described fixed lobe, and then described removable projection is returned so that described retraction assemblies is retracted to described toning container support device side by the back-end component of described toner container under partial pressure.

5. toner container support unit as claimed in claim 4, wherein,

Described fixed lobe is arranged on the downside of back-end component of described toner container, and described removable projection is arranged on the downside of inner parts of described container fixed mount.

6. an imaging device, comprises the toner container support unit as described in any one in claim 1-5.